Djokovic loses clay-court opener at Monte Carlo Masters

MONACO –

Novak Djokovic opened his clay-court period with a shocking loss to Alejandro Davidovich Fokina at the Monte Carlo Masters on Tuesday.

Davidovich Fokina stunned the top-ranked Serb 6-3, 6-7 (5), 6-1 in the 2nd round to hand Djokovic an additional problem as he attempts to proceed from the debate bordering his rejection to obtain immunized versus COVID-19.

It produces uncommon back-to-back losses for Djokovic, that had actually not played considering that being gotten rid of in the quarterfinals of the Dubai Tennis Championships in February — his only previous event this year after he was disallowed from playing at the Australian Open.

Djokovic battled from the beginning as the 46th-ranked Spaniard damaged him early to draw in advance 4-1 prior to an additional break handed him the initial collection. Davidovich Fokina maintained the stress and also led 3-0 in the 2nd prior to Djokovic clawed back. But the Serb remained to battle on his offer and also was damaged 3 times in the decider.

“He was the better player,” Djokovic said. “I was hanging on the ropes the entire match.”

The Serb said he was also worn down to argue in the 3rd collection.

“I collapsed,” Djokovic said. “I just ran out of gas completely … If you can’t stay in the rally, not feeling your legs on the clay, it’s mission impossible.”

Djokovic had actually defeated Davidovich Fokina in straight collections two times in 2014, in Rome and also at the Tokyo Olympics.

“I’m so happy for the win today,” Davidovich Fokina said. “I missed (Djokovic) on the tour.”

Djokovic can not protect his Australian Open title in January after he was deported from the nation for not being immunized. He needed to avoid events in Indian Wells, Calif., and also Miami due to the fact that he could not take a trip to the United States for the exact same factor.

The authorities in France and also Monaco raised most COVID-19 constraints last month, permitting individuals that aren’t immunized right into the nation and also back right into dining establishments, sporting activities fields and also various other places.

That suggests Djokovic will certainly have the ability to play at the French Open, which stays his “big goal of the clay season.”

“I knew that it’s going to take some time for me to really feel my best on the clay,” Djokovic said. “I have to accept defeat and keep working … and hopefully build my form for Roland Garros.”

The French Open begins on May 22 in Paris.

Defending champ Stefanos Tsitsipas of Greece relieved right into the 3rd round by defeating 2019 champion Fabio Fognini 6-3, 6-0.

First-rounded victors consisted of David Goffin of Belgium and also Taylor Fritz of the United States.