Alejandro Tabilo Stuns Novak Djokovic with Lightning Victory at Italian Open
In a swift 67-minute showdown, Alejandro Tabilo achieved what many tennis players dream of – defeating the formidable Novak Djokovic. The Chilean sensation outplayed the world No. 1 and top seed, clinching a remarkable 6-2, 6-3 victory in the third round of the Italian Open, marking their first-ever encounter on the court.
“It’s surreal. Stepping onto the court, taking it all in, trying to process the moment – it’s overwhelming. I’m still trying to pinch myself,” expressed the 26-year-old Tabilo, reflecting on his astonishing triumph, as reported by the ATP.
Djokovic, a six-time champion in Rome, struggled to find his rhythm against the relentless Tabilo, conceding crucial breaks in the match. The Serbian ace, plagued by five double faults, couldn’t muster his typical dominance on the court, failing to secure a title this season.
“I just focused on maintaining my composure, staying in the game,” Tabilo remarked. “As you inch closer to victory, the pressure mounts, but I stayed focused on each point. It’s surreal; I’m still trying to process the moment.”
Following a disappointing first set loss, Djokovic’s woes continued as he committed two crucial double faults in the opening game of the second set, handing Tabilo a significant advantage. Another untimely double fault from Djokovic sealed the deal for Tabilo, securing his fourth break of the match and sealing his astonishing victory.
Reflecting on his performance, Djokovic mentioned an incident where he was accidentally struck on the head with a water bottle after his second-round win, suggesting it might have affected his balance and coordination during Sunday’s match.
“Training felt different afterward. There was an imbalance, a lack of coordination,” Djokovic shared with reporters, according to the ATP. “It’s hard to say if it impacted today’s match. I need to undergo medical evaluations to understand what’s happening.”
