Shocking Upset: Novak Djokovic Ousted by Alejandro Tabilo in Straight Sets at Monte Carlo
Shocking Upset: Novak Djokovic Ousted by Alejandro Tabilo in Straight Sets at Monte Carlo
In one of the most stunning results of the 2025 ATP season, World No. 1 Novak Djokovic was knocked out of the Monte Carlo Masters in straight sets by Chilean underdog Alejandro Tabilo. The scoreline—6-2, 6-3—left fans and pundits alike in disbelief as Djokovic, a two-time champion in Monte Carlo, struggled to find any rhythm against the inspired 26-year-old.
Tabilo, ranked outside the top 30, played the match of his life, breaking Djokovic early in both sets and holding his nerve throughout. Utilizing a potent left-handed serve and sharp angles from the baseline, Tabilo kept Djokovic off balance and frustrated, never allowing the Serbian legend to mount a serious comeback.
This defeat marks Djokovic’s earliest exit in Monte Carlo since 2018 and raises questions about his clay-court readiness ahead of Roland Garros. Djokovic, who has typically used Monte Carlo as a springboard into the European clay swing, appeared flat and uncharacteristically error-prone, finishing the match with a high number of unforced errors.
“I’m disappointed, of course,” Djokovic said in his post-match press conference. “He played great tennis, very aggressive, and I just didn’t find my game today. No excuses.”
For Tabilo, this win is the biggest of his career and a potential breakthrough moment. “It’s a dream come true,” he said after the match. “Beating someone like Novak, especially here on clay, is something I’ll never forget.”
With Djokovic out, the Monte Carlo draw opens up significantly, giving other contenders a rare opportunity to claim a Masters 1000 title without facing the 24-time Grand Slam champion.
Tabilo will now look to continue his run in the next round, while Djokovic will regroup and shift focus to the upcoming events in Madrid and Rome in preparation for the French Open.
