Fifth-ranked Novak Djokovic was a surprise casualty at the Monte Carlo Masters on Wednesday, going down 6-3, 6-4 to Alejandro Tabilo of Chile in the second round. Nursing an eye infection that has plagued him since his semi-final exit from the Miami Open, the Serbian superstar looked the shadow of his true self in a decidedly limp display. Tabilo, the world’s 32nd-ranked player, took advantage of Djokovic’s troubles to score his second victory over the 24-time Grand Slam champion after also defeating him on clay in Rome last year. The defeat stretches Djokovic’s title drought to the next season as he continues his bid for a 100th ATP title.
World number two Carlos Alcaraz, meanwhile, overcame a slow start to beat Francisco Cerundolo 3-6, 6-0 6-1 for his opening victory at the Monte Carlo Masters. The 21-year-old Spaniard, who had a mixed run in the U.S. swing, shook off some early jitters to control the final two sets with aggressive ground strokes and deft approaches to the net. Following a first-set defeat, Alcaraz lost only a single game in the rest of the match and said his tactical adjustment of returning closer to the baseline was the key to turning things around. He now heads to the third round brimming with confidence.
