Novak Djokovic’s early Monte Carlo Masters exit ‘should be viewed as normal’

Ewan West 10 Apr 2025 9:17 AM

Andy Roddick gives his verdict on Novak Djokovic

Former world No 1 Andy Roddick has weighed in on Novak Djokovic’s upset defeat in his opening match at the 2025 Monte Carlo Masters.

Djokovic served up a performance he has described as “horrible” as he lost 3-6, 4-6 to world No 32 Alejandro Tabilo in the second round of the clay-court event.

The world No 5 hit 29 unforced errors in what was his first match on clay since winning the gold medal at the 2024 Paris Olympics.

The Serbian now holds a 0-2 record against Tabilo, having also been beaten by the 27-year-old Chilean in Rome last year.

Djokovic has largely struggled at the Monte Carlo Masters since securing his second title at the tournament in 2015.

In his last nine appearances in Monte Carlo, Djokovic has lost his opening match three times, while he has reached the quarter-finals on only three occasions.

Many had higher expectations for Djokovic at the event this year, though, after his run to the Miami Open final last month.

The 37-year-old’s draw also looked manageable on paper, with Tabilo entering the match with a 3-9 record in 2025 after a torrid run of form.

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Speaking on Tennis Channel, Roddick was asked if Djokovic’s defeat was “normal” given he will turn 38 next month.

“It should be viewed as normal. I don’t think that the base level for Novak for a successful year is two majors anymore,” said the 2003 US Open winner.

“I think the question is, ‘can I build up my season? Can I peak for the majors, right? Can I be as good once as I ever was?’ Right? I think that matters a little bit more.

“I don’t know if we would have seen Novak here in this tournament, or for the last couple of years frankly, if he didn’t live up the street, right? I think this is almost paid practice for him.

“He’s going to reset. Next Monday, he’s still going to be in Monte Carlo training, to get ready for the clay-court season, so I don’t put a ton of stock in this.

“Maybe there’s a little bit of a matchup issue, but if Novak gets a good run of three or four weeks into the French Open, even having lost to Tabilo twice, I know who I’d be taking in this matchup three out of five sets.”

Djokovic is next scheduled to compete at the Masters 1000 tournament in Madrid, where he is set to make his first appearance since 2022.