Six-time champion Novak Djokovic was defeated at the Italian Open by world No. 32 Alejandro Tabilo in Rome.
Chile’s Tabilo took full advantage of world No. 1 Djokovic’s error-strewn performance to claim a lopsided 6-2 6-3 victory in just 67 minutes.
Djokovic, aiming for 1,100 career wins, said he was feeling the effects of being accidentally hit by a bottle in the previous round, but made 22 unforced errors, five double faults on his serve and broke on the left side. I couldn’t make any points. Passed the opponent’s serve.
Djokovic saved three break points in the opening match and the tone of the match was set from the start. Two were aces and the third was a nice drop shot from behind the baseline, but Tabilo created a fourth break point opportunity before serving for a double fault. .
Two great winners then gave Tabilo his second break, making it 3-0. The 26-year-old Tabilo showed no signs of nerves, serving out for the set after just 31 minutes with minimal fuss.
Fans who had expected a decisive response from Djokovic were shocked when he dropped his serve again with consecutive double faults at the start of the second set. Djokovic, a 24-time Grand Slam champion, mysteriously rushed through his service games.
Tabilo continued to hold serve with ease and, fittingly, Djokovic committed another double fault on the first match point, clinching the biggest victory of the 29th seed’s career to date.
Use Chrome Browser for a more accessible video player
Tabilo looked in disbelief after sensational win over Djokovic
“I came on the court just looking around, just trying to absorb everything, trying to process everything, and right now I can’t believe it. I’m just trying to wake up,” Tabilo said.
“I was just trying to keep my nerves in check and keep swinging. Obviously, every time I feel like I’m getting close to the end, my arms start to get a little tight, so I was just trying not to think about it and just taking it point by point.” That’s crazy.
“I can’t believe what just happened.”
Djokovic: “I felt like a completely different player”
Djokovic, who was hit on the head by a bottle from a spectator’s backpack after Friday’s second-round win against Corentin Moutet, said he was concerned about his performance against Tabilo.
“I managed to sleep just fine. I had a headache. I felt pretty good the next day or yesterday, so I thought I’d be okay. Maybe I’ll be okay. Maybe I won’t.” he said.
Use Chrome Browser for a more accessible video player
Djokovic was struck on the head by a bottle while signing autographs on Friday.
Use Chrome Browser for a more accessible video player
Djokovic noticed the strange side of things when he showed up to practice wearing a helmet on Saturday
“What I felt on court today was like a completely different player stepped into my shoes. There was no rhythm, no tempo, no balance to any of the shots. It’s a little worrying.
“Yesterday I was going to go for a quick training session. I didn’t feel anything, but I didn’t feel the same either.
“Today was pretty bad under high stress. Not in terms of pain, but in terms of this balance. I just didn’t have enough coordination. I was a completely different player than I was two nights ago.”
“I don’t know. I need to get a medical checkup and find out what’s going on.”
tape story
Sky Sports Tennis will be available to watch the WTA Tour and ATP Tour throughout 2024, including after the Italian Open. Stream Sky Sports tennis and more with a NOW Sports Month membership. No contract, cancel anytime.
What will happen on Sky Sports Tennis?
Use Chrome Browser for a more accessible video player
Find out all the ways you can watch tennis on Sky Sports, including the US Open, ATP and WTA Tour
Watch tennis’ biggest stars in action as they prepare for the second Grand Slam of 2024, the French Open at Roland Garros starting May 26th Live broadcast on Sky Sports They compete throughout the clay court season.
- Internazionali BNL d’Italia in Rome (ATP and WTA Masters 1000) – May 7-19
- Geneva Open (ATP 250) – May 20th-26th
- Lyon Open (ATP 250) – May 20th-26th
- Strasbourg International Tournament (WTA 500 with Emma Laducane) – May 20th to 26th
- Morocco Open (WTA 250) – May 20-26
Advertisement | Stream Sky Sports Now
Stream Sky Sports live now with no monthly or daily membership commitments. Get instant access to live action from Premier League, EFL, F1, England Cricket, Tennis and more.
Book Fury vs Usyk on Sky Sports Box Office
It is one of the biggest sporting events in a generation. Tyson Fury and Oleksandr Usyk will clash for the undisputed world heavyweight title on Saturday 18th May, broadcast live on Sky Sports Box Office. Book 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.
Click here for details