World number 5 tennis player Novak Djokovic called his performance “horrible” after he was knocked out of the Monte Carlo Masters on Wednesday, losing to Alejandro Tabilo with scores of 6-3, 6-4 in the second round.
The Serbian player, who is still aiming for his 100th career title, was competing on clay for the first time since winning gold at the Paris Olympics in July 2024 and had trouble finding his rhythm.
Recently, Djokovic lost to unseeded teenager Jakub Menšík in the Miami Open final and made 29 unforced errors while hitting only 18 winners in this match, which ended his 10-game winning streak on clay.
“I thought I would at least play decently. Not like this,” Djokovic stated. “This was terrible. I didn’t have high hopes, to be honest. I knew I was facing a tough opponent, and I figured I might play poorly. But I didn’t expect it to be this bad.”
He continued, “I was wishing it wouldn’t happen, but I knew there was a good chance I would perform this way. I don’t know. It just feels awful to play like this, and I’m really sorry for everyone who had to see it.”
When asked if he understood why he played that way, Djokovic said, “I don’t know. I have it, and I don’t have it. I don’t really care.”
Tabilo is now 2-0 against Djokovic in their career matchups, having also beaten the 24-time Grand Slam champion in straight sets during their last meeting at the Italian Open in May 2024.
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These two wins are the only top-10 victories in Tabilo’s career.
Interestingly, the Chilean has had a tough time finding his form this season.
Before arriving in Monte Carlo, Tabilo had a record of 2-9 in 2025 and was on an eight-match losing streak on clay, according to the ATP.
Tabilo, the world No. 32, will face No. 15 seed Grigor Dimitrov in the third round on Thursday.
“It’s been a tough year, so a little bit of the nerves were there, but I just tried to remember what I did well against him last time,” Tabilo said, per the Tennis Channel.
“I served well today, which helped me to regroup my game after that first game, and it was an unreal match, I think. Match by match I’ve been getting better, and I’m so happy.”
