Novak Djokovic crashed out of the Monte Carlo Masters following a shock 4-6, 7-5, 6-4 defeat to Italy’s Lorenzo Musetti in the last 16.
The world No 1 surrendered a one-set and 4-2 lead to lose a rain-interrupted match in Monaco. Djokovic struggled to find his best level in the windy conditions on Court Rainier III, the 22-time grand slam champion dropping serve eight times as his French Open preparations suffered a blow.
Wet weather forced the players off with the score at 1-1 in sets, and Djokovic leading 40-30 in the third game of the decider. When the players returned, the match stayed on serve until the seventh game, when 21-year-old Musetti secured what proved to be the decisive break. Djokovic, winner of the tournament in 2013 and 2015, saved three match points but his opponent would not be denied.
”I am struggling not to cry,” Musetti said in his on-court interview after victory was sealed in two hours and 54 minutes on court. “It is an emotional win because it was a really long match. It was not easy conditions because it was a little bit windy and cold – not like we used to play in the recent days.
“I am really proud of myself,” the world No 21 added. “I am struggling not to cry because it is a dream for me. Beating Novak is something remarkable for me.”