Novak Djokovic crashed out of the Monte Carlo Masters yesterday for the first time in three years after surrendering his title in a shock 6-4 2-6 6-4 loss to 55th-ranked Jiri Vesely.
His previous second-round defeat was at the 2013 Madrid Masters to Bulgarian Grigor Dimitrov, a vastly talented shot-maker with a far higher reputation than Vesely, an aspiring Czech player with one career title compared to the 63 for 11-time Grand Slam winner Djokovic.
It was also Djokovic’s first loss in a completed match since November, having retired from a match in February due to an eye infections. This was his first match of the year on clay.
He said, “There is the proof that nobody is unbeatable, I have to move on, it’s already behind me.”
Adding that, “I was playing really, really bad, I wasn’t feeling any freshness.”
The 22-year-old Vesely, who named Roger Federer as his idol when growing up, was understandably staggered by his win.
“It’s something amazing. When I went on court, I had completely different thinking,” Vesely said.
“I hoped to win a game, hoped to do well. I really didn’t think I could beat Novak today.” He did soon notice, however, that Djokovic was off his game.
“Novak wasn’t at his best level, that’s for sure, and he made a lot of mistakes from the beginning.
“That’s what gave me a little bit more confidence, creating the rallies. I didn’t give him too much rhythm.”
Eight-time Monte Carlo champion Rafael Nadal dropped serve twice and still beat Britain’s Aljaz Bedene of Britain 6-3 6-3 in the second round, but last year’s runner-up, No. 6 Tomas Berdych, lost to 99th-ranked Damir Dzumhu 6-4 6-7 (1) 6-3.
In another upset, No. 9 Richard Gasquet lost to wildcard Lucas Pouille 4-6 7-5 6-1 in an all-French match. But it was nothing compared to Djokovic’s loss.
