In a stunning upset at the Italian Open, Alejandro Tabilo claimed the biggest win of his career by defeating world number one Novak Djokovic in straight sets, 6-2, 6-3, in a match lasting just 67 minutes. Tabilo’s flawless performance on Centre Court left Djokovic struggling to find his rhythm, as the Chilean broke the top seed four times without facing a single break point.
Expressing his disbelief at the victory, Tabilo remarked, “It’s incredible. I came on court just looking around and soaking it all in, trying to process everything. I’m trying to wake up right now.” This triumph not only marked a milestone in Tabilo’s career but also made him the first Chilean in 17 years to defeat a world number one, following Fernando Gonzalez’s victory over Roger Federer at the ATP Finals in 2007.
Djokovic, visibly below par, attributed his subpar performance to an “unfortunate” incident on Friday, where he was struck on the head by a fan’s water bottle while signing autographs after his second-round win. The Serbian recounted experiencing symptoms of nausea, dizziness, and headaches, expressing concerns about his physical condition following the incident.
Reflecting on his recent form, Djokovic admitted his disappointment at failing to reach a single final in 2024 and voiced concerns about his preparation for the upcoming French Open. With just six matches played on clay in the lead-up to Roland Garros, Djokovic acknowledged the need for improvement, stating, “Everything needs to be better for me to have at least a chance to win it.”
The Serbian’s premature exit in Rome raises questions about his readiness for the year’s second Grand Slam event, scheduled to commence on May 26. While Djokovic’s pursuit of success on clay faces challenges, Tabilo’s remarkable victory serves as a testament to the unpredictability and excitement of professional tennis.
