Novak Djokovic’s woes continue as he is stunned in Barcelona

Novak Djokovic suffered another early exit as he crashed out of the Barcelona Open on Wednesday.
The 12-time Grand Slam winner was sent packing by qualifier Martin Klizan, who won 6-2, 1-6, 6-3 in one hour and 41 minutes to secure the biggest win of his career.
A memorable first meeting against Djokovic on clay for Klizan… #bcnopenbs pic.twitter.com/S2zD4908gz
— Tennis TV (@TennisTV) April 25, 2018
The Slovak, who is ranked 140th in the world, had lost all his previous encounters against Djokovic, but he broke the former world No 1 in the opening game and then consolidated his lead with another break in game five.
However, the sixth seed came storming back in the second set as he broke twice, but a single break in the eighth game of the decider helped Klizan to secure a famous win.
Monte Carlo Masters runner-up Kei Nishikori was another casualty as he had to retire with a wrist problem while being 6-3 down against Guillermo Garcia-Lopez.
Second seed Grigor Dimitrov had no such problems as he breezed past Gilles Simon, beating the Frenchman 6-2, 6-1 in an hour and 22 minutes.
Third seed Dominic Thiem also advanced as he overcame Spaniard Jaume Munar 7-6 (10-8), 6-1.
Latest
-
French Open
French Open: Dominic Thiem feels ‘pretty far away from a win’ after exit
The former world number three, a finalist at Roland Garros in 2018 and 2019, bowed out in straight sets.
-
French Open
Carlos Alcaraz proofs French Open title credentials with dominant first-round victory
Carlos Alcaraz powers into the second round at Roland Garros.
-
French Open
Alexander Zverev keeps French Open match short and sweet, but hopes to go from stable to winning titles
“I’m always somebody that likes to win, rather than be stable,” says Zverev.
-
Wimbledon
Cameron Norrie says Wimbledon will be ‘like an exhibition’ as he warns a few top players might not play
British No 1 has his say on consequences following decision to strip Wimbledon of ranking points.
-
Wimbledon
Wimbledon news: Former US Open champion says decision to strip major of ranking points ‘the correct one’
Sloane Stephens shares views on controversial move.
-
French Open
Carlos Alcaraz news: Top players to suffer if they’re to beat Spaniard at Roland Garros
He’s been unstoppable this season.
-
French Open
Red-hot Ons Jabeur stunned in opener at Roland Garros by world No 52 Magda Linette
Ons Jabeur stunned in Roland Garros opener.
-
French Open
Birthday boy Novak Djokovic looking to reset in the summer of ’22
Novak Djokovic is 35 today. This summer might just see him return to the top of his game after losing himself at the turn of the year.
-
French Open
Rafael Nadal plays down Roland Garros favourite tag as ‘there are players that are in better shape’
Rafael Nadal cautiously optimistic ahead of Roland Garros.
-
French Open
Emma Raducanu news: John McEnroe doubtful Brit can go far in French Open
She has had a lot of injuries so far this season.