In a surprising turn of events at the 2025 Monte Carlo Masters, Novak Djokovic was eliminated in the second round by Chilean player Alejandro Tabilo, while Spain’s Carlos Alcaraz advanced to the next stage.
Djokovic’s Unexpected Exit
Novak Djokovic, a 24-time Grand Slam champion, faced an early departure from the tournament after a 6-3, 6-4 defeat to Alejandro Tabilo. This marks Tabilo’s second consecutive victory over Djokovic, having previously beaten him at the Italian Open in 2024.
Djokovic’s performance was marred by 29 unforced errors, and he struggled to find his rhythm throughout the match. Post-match, Djokovic expressed his disappointment, stating, “I expected myself at least to have put in a decent performance. Not like this. It was horrible.”
Alcaraz’s Progression
In contrast, Carlos Alcaraz showcased resilience in his match against Argentina’s Francisco Cerúndolo. After losing the first set 3-6, Alcaraz dominated the subsequent sets, winning 6-0, 6-1 to secure his place in the tournament’s next round. Reflecting on his performance, Alcaraz said, “I feel great. It was a tough match, but I managed to find my game and turn it around.”
Implications for the Tournament
Djokovic’s early exit opens up the field for other contenders, with Alcaraz emerging as a strong favorite. As the clay-court season progresses, all eyes will be on Alcaraz to see if he can capitalize on this opportunity and potentially claim the title.
