close
close

Novak Djokovic: World No. 1 suffers shock straight-sets defeat against Alejandro Tabilo at Italian Open | Tennis news

Posted on by angelo
Novak Djokovic: World No. 1 suffers shock straight-sets defeat against Alejandro Tabilo at Italian Open | Tennis news

Six-time champion Novak Djokovic has withdrawn from the Italian Open after suffering a comprehensive defeat to world number 32 Alejandro Tabilo in Rome.

Chile’s Tabilo took full advantage of an error-strewn performance from world number 1 Djokovic to claim a one-sided 6-2 6-3 victory in just 67 minutes.

In search of the 1,100th victory of his career, Djokovic committed 22 unforced errors, committed five double faults and failed to create a single break point on his left-handed opponent’s serve.

The tone of the competition was set from the start when Djokovic saved three break points in the opening game, two with aces and the third with a sublime drop shot behind the baseline, only to double fault after Tabilo created a fourth break opportunity. .

Two brilliant winners then gave Tabilo a second break for 3-0 and the 26-year-old showed no signs of nerves as he served for the set with minimal fuss after just 31 minutes.

Twitter

This content is provided by Twitter, which may use cookies and other technologies. To show you this content, we need your permission to use cookies. You can use the buttons below to change your preferences to enable Twitter cookies or to allow these cookies only once. You can change your settings at any time via the privacy options.

Unfortunately, we were unable to verify whether you consented to Twitter cookies. To view this content you can use the button below to allow Twitter cookies for this session only.

Enable cookies Allow cookies once

Fans expecting a determined response from Djokovic were shocked when he began the second set with consecutive double faults only to lose his serve again, with the 24-time Grand Slam winner strangely rushing through his service games .

Tabilo continued to hold his serve with ease and, fittingly, it was another double fault from Djokovic on the first match point that sealed the biggest victory of the 29th seed’s career to date.

Please use Chrome browser for a more accessible video player

Tabilo was in disbelief after securing his sensational victory against Djokovic

“I got on the field just looking around, just trying to take it all in, trying to process it all and now I can’t believe it. I’m trying to wake up right now ” Tabilo said.

“I was just trying to keep my nerve, keep swinging. Obviously every time you feel like you’re closer to the end, your arm starts to tighten up a little bit, so I was just trying not to think about it , to take it point by point and it’s crazy.

“I can’t believe what just happened.”

Djokovic: I felt like a completely different player

Djokovic, who was hit in the head by a bottle after his second-round victory over Corentin Moutet on Friday, said his performance against Tabilo was concerning.

“I managed to sleep well. I had headaches. The next day or yesterday it was pretty good, so I thought everything was okay. Maybe it was okay. Maybe it was was not the case,” he said.

Please use Chrome browser for a more accessible video player

Djokovic was hit in the head by a bottle while signing autographs on Friday

Please use Chrome browser for a more accessible video player

Djokovic saw the funny side of things when he showed up wearing headphones for practice on Saturday

“The way I felt on the court today was completely like a different player stepping into my shoes. No rhythm, no tempo, no balance on any shot. It’s a bit worrying.

“I was going to do a pretty easy workout yesterday. I didn’t feel anything, but I didn’t feel the same either.

“Today, under high stress, it was pretty bad – not pain-wise, but balance-wise. Just no coordination. Completely different player from two nights ago.

“I don’t know. I have to do some medical tests and see what’s going on.”

Tale of the gang

Watch the WTA and ATP Tours throughout 2024 on Sky Sports Tennis, including the conclusion of the Italian Open. Stream Sky Sports Tennis and more with a NOW Sports Month subscription. No contract, cancel anytime.

What’s happening on Sky Sports Tennis?

Please use Chrome browser for a more accessible video player

Discover all the ways to watch tennis on Sky Sports, including the US Open, ATP and WTA tours.

As the second Grand Slam of 2024 approaches – the French Open at Roland Garros from May 26 – you’ll be able to watch all of tennis’ biggest stars in action live on Sky Sports as they compete throughout the clay court season.

  • Internazionali BNL d’Italia in Rome (ATP and WTA Masters 1000) – May 7 to 19
  • Geneva Open (ATP 250) – May 20-26
  • Lyon Open (ATP 250) – May 20-26
  • Strasbourg Internationals (WTA 500 with Emma Raducanu in action) – May 20-26
  • Moroccan Open (WTA 250) – May 20-26

Ad content | Stream Sky Sports NOW

Sky Sports online NOW

Stream Sky Sports live contract-free with a 1-month or 1-day subscription NOW. Instant access to live action from the Premier League, EFL, F1, England Cricket, Tennis and much more.

Book Fury vs Usyk on Sky Sports Box Office

Fury against Usyk

It is one of the greatest sporting events of a generation. Tyson Fury and Oleksandr Usyk face off for the undisputed world heavyweight title on Saturday, May 18, live on Sky Sports Box Office. Reserve now.

Get Sky Sports on WhatsApp!

You can now start receiving messages and alerts for the latest sports news, analysis, in-depth features and videos from our dedicated WhatsApp channel!

Learn more here