Canadian-born Alejandro Tabilo delivered a commanding performance on Wednesday, eliminating world No. 1 Novak Djokovic in straight sets, 6-3, 6-4, in the second round of the Monte Carlo Masters. The Chilean representative, originally from Toronto, earned his second career win over the 24-time Grand Slam champion and halted Djokovic’s latest pursuit of a milestone 100th career title.
Returning to clay for the first time since claiming Olympic gold in Paris last summer, Djokovic admitted he wasn’t optimistic heading into the tournament.
“I expected a tough match, and I wasn’t hopeful about my level,” Djokovic said after the loss. “But I didn’t think it would be this bad.”
Tabilo’s win was sealed with a powerful serve that Djokovic sent long on the second match point. The Serbian had previously saved one match point with a delicate drop shot to extend the match, but couldn’t repeat the escape.
A Quiet Statement from a Rising Star
Tabilo, who grew up in Toronto before choosing to compete under the Chilean flag due to limited ties with Tennis Canada, continues to make a name for himself on the ATP Tour. His latest victory reaffirms his knack for unsettling top-ranked opponents, having previously defeated Djokovic at the Italian Open.
Elsewhere on the Clay
Second seed Carlos Alcaraz survived an early scare in his opening match, bouncing back from a one-set deficit to overpower Francisco Cerundolo 3-6, 6-0, 6-1. The reigning French Open champion is gearing up to defend his Roland Garros crown and is targeting his second title of the 2025 season.
In other notable results:
- Italy’s Lorenzo Musetti rallied past Jiri Lehecka 1-6, 7-5, 6-2, and will next face compatriot Matteo Berrettini, who knocked out top-seeded Alexander Zverev on Tuesday.
- Daniil Medvedev battled through three sets to defeat Alexandre Muller 7-6(6), 5-7, 6-2.
- No. 4 seed Casper Ruud cruised past Roberto Bautista Agut 6-2, 6-1.
- French veterans Richard Gasquet and Gael Monfils, both age 38, exited the tournament following defeats to Daniel Altmaier and Andrey Rublev, respectively.
Looking Ahead
The Monte Carlo Masters, the ATP’s first major clay-court event of the season, continues to shape the road to Roland Garros. With the early exit of Djokovic and other top seeds falling, the draw remains wide open for a new champion to emerge.