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ATP Masters Monte-Carlo: Novak Djokovic loses to Alejandro Davidovich Fokina

Novak Djokovic was eliminated in the first match at the ATP Masters 1000 tournament in Monte Carlo. The world number one lost to Alejandro Davidovich Fokina 3: 6, 7: 6 (5) and 1: 6.

by Jens Huiber
last edit: Apr 12, 2022, 06:29 pm

Something out of balance: Novak Djokovic on Tuesday in Monte Carlo
© Getty Images
Something out of balance: Novak Djokovic on Tuesday in Monte Carlo

This is probably not how Novak Djokovic imagined his return to the tour: Alejandro Davidovich Fokina, against whom Djokovic had won twice last year without any problems, showed little respect for the industry leader. And started the third match of the day offensively on Court Rainier III. Davidovich Fokina quickly led with two breaks and was not disturbed by a small comeback from Djokovic. And got the first act 6:3.

Djokovic wins set two in tie-break

In the second set, the outsider managed a break again, Djokovic failed to come back in the third game. Made the rebreak to 2:3 and immediately gave up his serve again. From a score of 2: 4, the world number one had seen enough: Davidovich Fokina threw himself across the court, but did not change his shirt. Djokovic played three games in a row and couldn't serve at 5: 4. A tiebreak had to make the decision.
Davidovich Fokina made the first mini break to make it 2-0. Djokovic came up to 2: 3. However, the sides were switched at the score of 4:2 for ADF. Only one more point should be added, Djokovic managed to equalize the set with a sensational passing ball.

In the decision, Davidovich Fokina started again with a break and even missed three more chances to make it 3-0 on Djokovic's serve. The first three games already took half an hour to complete. And Djokovic may have shown that he is not quite as match fit as he would like to be in Roland Garros at the latest: Davidovich Fokina pulled away to 4-1 with the next break. Djokovic fended off his opponent's first match ball with his own serve when the score was 1: 5. The Spaniard used the second.

For Novak Djokovic it was the first match since he was eliminated in the quarterfinals of the ATP Tour 500 tournament in Dubai against Jiri Vesely. The next tasks for the 20-time Grand Slam champion are now at home in Belgrade.

Here the individual tableau in Monte Carlo

montemap

by Jens Huiber

Tuesday
Apr 12, 2022, 06:29 pm