MONTE CARLO, Monaco—Novak Djokovic, the tennis titan with 24 Grand Slam titles, found himself at the center of a firestorm following a shocking 6-3, 6-4 loss to Alejandro Tabilo in the second round of the 2025 Monte Carlo Masters on April 9. Branded by Djokovic himself as his “worst ever” performance, the match triggered an unprecedented backlash from fans, who booed him off the court and abandoned the stands in protest. The controversy forced the Serbian star into a public apology and led to a stunning revelation that has left the tennis world reeling, overshadowing even the joyful news of Rafael Nadal and Xisca Perelló expecting their second child.
Djokovic, a two-time Monte Carlo champion, arrived on the red clay with tempered expectations after a solid start to 2025, including a runner-up finish in Miami. But against world No. 32 Tabilo, the Serbian unraveled in spectacular fashion. He committed 29 unforced errors, landed just 54% of his first serves, and appeared visibly distracted, falling in straight sets in a mere 87 minutes. Tabilo, who also defeated Djokovic in Rome in 2024, joined an elite trio—alongside Rafael Nadal and Roger Federer—as the only players to hold a perfect record against him in multiple ATP matches.
The Monte Carlo crowd, accustomed to Djokovic’s relentless brilliance, was stunned. Fans voiced their frustration on X, with posts describing the performance as “embarrassing” and “painful to watch.” Boos echoed through Court Rainier III as Djokovic misfired shots, and by the match’s conclusion, the stands were nearly empty—a stark contrast to the adulation he typically commands. “I’ve never seen Novak like this,” one fan posted. “It’s like he didn’t care.”
Djokovic’s post-match behavior poured fuel on the fire. Bypassing the customary on-court interview, he offered only a brief, 141-word press conference, labeling his play “disgraceful” and apologizing vaguely to fans who “had to endure that.” His refusal to engage further—saying, “I don’t know what happened, and I don’t want to talk about it”—was perceived as a snub to the tournament, Tabilo’s victory, and the Monte Carlo faithful. “I’m done here,” he concluded, walking out to gasps from reporters.
The tennis community erupted. On X, fans called Djokovic “arrogant” and “disrespectful,” with one post reading, “He owes Tabilo and the fans more than that.” Others demanded accountability, pointing to his storied career as a reason he should rise above such conduct. Former player Marion Bartoli, commentating for Sky Sports, remarked, “This isn’t the Novak we know. Something’s off, and skipping the interview only makes it worse.”
By April 10, the unrelenting criticism pushed Djokovic to act. In a statement posted on X, he apologized to fans, writing, “I’m truly sorry for what happened in Monte Carlo. My performance was unacceptable, and I let down everyone who supports me. This tournament means so much, and I’ll make this right.” While the apology was well-received by some, others saw it as a response to pressure rather than genuine contrition, noting its timing amid trending hashtags like #DjokovicDisgrace.
Later that day, Djokovic stunned the tennis world with a bombshell revelation in an interview with L’Équipe. “I’ve been grappling with a health issue that I haven’t shared publicly,” he disclosed, hinting at a condition that affected his physical and mental state during the match. “It’s not an excuse—I should’ve handled things better—but it overwhelmed me out there.” Refusing to elaborate further, he added, “I’m addressing it now, and I hope fans can understand I’m human.” The admission sparked a wave of speculation, with X posts debating whether it was a chronic injury, fatigue, or something more serious.
The revelation divided fans. Supporters rallied behind him, with one writing, “He’s carried so much for so long—let’s show some empathy.” Critics, however, remained unmoved, arguing that health struggles didn’t justify his on-court demeanor or post-match dismissal. “Plenty of players face issues and still show respect,” one user countered.
Djokovic’s Monte Carlo meltdown stole the spotlight from other tennis stories, including Rafael Nadal and Xisca Perelló’s heartwarming announcement of their second child, for which Djokovic sent congratulations via X, writing, “Beautiful news, Rafa and Xisca!” The Italian Tennis Federation’s protective measures for Jannik Sinner, who is set to return from a doping ban at the Italian Open, also took a backseat. Ironically, Djokovic had praised Sinner’s resilience in a February 2025 podcast, making his own struggles in Monte Carlo all the more striking.
Players and analysts weighed in cautiously. Jannik Sinner, the reigning Australian Open champion, expressed sympathy, saying, “Novak’s given so much to tennis. He’ll find his way.” Meanwhile, Andy Roddick, on his podcast, speculated about Djokovic’s mindset, noting, “He’s chasing history, but clay’s brutal, and something’s clearly weighing him down.” The absence of coach Andy Murray, who skipped Monte Carlo for personal reasons, fueled further questions about Djokovic’s support system.
With no ATP titles since the 2023 ATP Finals and a 12-6 record in 2025, Djokovic faces scrutiny as he prepares for the Madrid Open on April 21. His sights remain set on Roland Garros, where he aims to claim a record-extending 25th Grand Slam. “I know what I need to do,” he told reporters after his apology. “This was a wake-up call.” Reuniting with Murray in Madrid, Djokovic is expected to recalibrate on clay, but the Monte Carlo saga has raised doubts about his invincibility.
The tennis world now watches closely. Will Djokovic channel this low point into a triumphant comeback, as he’s done countless times before? Or does Monte Carlo signal deeper challenges for the Serbian legend? For now, his apology and candid revelation have shifted the narrative, blending criticism with curiosity about what lies ahead.
