April 12, (THEWILL) – In the opening round of the Monte Carlo Masters, world number one Novak Djokovic suffered a 6-3, 6 -7, 6-1 shocking defeat to world number 46 Alejandro Davidovich Fokina.
After being deported from Australia for attempting entry with a vaccination passport that the authorities did not agree with for the Australian Open in 2022, Djokovic has barely played professional tennis.
Despite the fact that he was not vaccinated, he was permitted to compete in Monte Carlo, but his return did not go well as Davidovich, who had lost both of his previous meetings with Djokovic, appeared sharper right away.
While Djokovic displayed flashes of his best form, he lacked consistency despite a tremendous display of muscle to put the Spanish player under the type of pressure his opponents often were under against him.
Djokovic’s hopes of a third straight landslide victory over the Spaniard were dashed early on Court Rainier III, as Davidovich Fokina broke three times on his way to the opening set, with an out-of-sorts Djokovic making 16 unforced errors.
Six breaks of serve were recorded in a tumultuous second set, and although Djokovic missed to serve it out at 5-4, the Serb clinched the tie-break with a brilliant forehand pass.
Fokina, on the other hand, would not be refused. The Spaniard continued to put pressure on Djokovic’s serve, breaking three times in the last set to claim his first career title in two hours and 54 minutes.
Djokovic had not lost his first set in a tournament since losing to Marin Klizan in Barcelona in 2018.
Fokina reached the quarterfinals on his tournament debut in Monte Carlo in 2021, and if he wins his third-round match against World No. 27 Daniel Evans or wild card David Goffin, he may match that performance.
About the Author
Jude Obafemi is a versatile senior Correspondent at THEWILL Newspapers, excelling in sourcing, researching, and delivering sports news stories for both print and digital publications.
