At the Monte Carlo Masters, Novak Djokovic was defeated by Alejandro Davidovich Fokina, ending the world No. 1’s return to the ATP Tour.
Djokovic was thrashed 6-3, 6-7 (5), 6-1 in just under three hours, playing for the first time since February after missing the US hard-court season due to Covid-19 immunization difficulties.
Djokovic had 20 breakpoints and was broken nine times as his opponent, ranked 46th in the world, overcame a big setback in the second set to claim the finest win of his career.
Statement by Davidovich Fokina
This win is really significant to him since I grew up watching Nole [Djokovic] and Davidovich Fokina said that he is a great fan of his, Fokina remarked after the match. Because Nole didn’t play much this season, Davidovich Fokina knew he didn’t have the confidence… He had my chances early on in the game, and he took them.
It was challenging mentally for Fokina when he won the second set, but he works hard to stay focused. Davidovich Fokina needed to be ready for war.
Djokovic requires more practice after the defeat against Davidovich Fokina
Djokovic certainly needs more match practice if he is to improve on his 20 grand slam championships at the end of a tumultuous year that began with his deportation before the Australian Open in January.
Djokovic, a two-time winner in Monte Carlo, was on his way to a quick defeat when he dropped the first set and was broken at the start of the second. With an unnecessary dive at the start of the seventh game of the set, the Spaniard displayed his inexperience, causing injury concerns and allowing Djokovic to reel off 10 points in a row as he broke back to love to take the lead.
The momentum turned back in Davidovich Fokina’s favor as Djokovic made four unforced errors while serving for the set, allowing his opponent to break back and force a tie-break. But, after rallying from a 4-2 deficit to win the tie-break, Djokovic’s recent idleness caught up with him, as he was broken three more times.
Dan Evans of the United Kingdom advanced to the second round after defeating Benjamin Bonzi of France 6-0 7-6 (4).
Also Read: Marcelo Rios calls Djokovic king of stupidity
Kim Clijsters’ retirement along with the Djokovic’s defeat against Davidovich Fokina
Meanwhile, Kim Clijsters, a four-time grand slam singles champion, has announced her return to professional tennis. The 38-year-old, who returned to the game after a seven-year layoff in 2019, stated on Tuesday that she will never longer participate in official events. I can’t wait to see what new adventures may cross my path, the former world No. 1 remarked on Instagram.
