'Just horrible' - Djokovic apologises after early Monte-Carlo Masters exit

Novak Djokovic apologised to supporters following his Monte-Carlo Masters exit, conceding it was a "horrible feeling to play this way".

The 24-time major winner fell at the first hurdle of the ATP Masters event, where he was beaten 6-3 6-4 by Alejandro Tabilo.

Djokovic won this tournament in 2013 and 2015, though his hopes of landing a third title were hampered by an ongoing eye infection.

The Serb subsequently arrived in Monte-Carlo without high expectations, and he made 29 unforced errors as she suffered a second straight defeat against Tabilo, who also prevailed when they met in last year's Italian Open semi-finals.

"It was actually more like the worst day [in the office]," Djokovic said. "I was hoping it was not going to happen, but it was quite a high probability I'm going to play this way.

Tabilo stands tallThe world No.32 records back-to-back wins for the first time since August @ROLEXMCMASTERS | #RolexMonteCarloMasters pic.twitter.com/PFzf09xGUY
— ATP Tour (@atptour) April 9, 2025

"Just horrible. Horrible feeling to play this way, and just sorry for all the people that have to witness this.

"I expected myself at least to have put a decent performance. Not like this; it was horrible.

"I did not have high expectations, really. I knew I was going to have a tough opponent, and I knew I was going to probably play pretty badly. But this bad; I didn't expect."

Djokovic's wait for a 100th ATP title - and first since taking gold at the 2024 Paris Olympics - continues.

The 37-year-old will play at the Madrid Open later this month in preparation for the French Open at Roland-Garros in May.