DailyExpertNews
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Novak Djokovic suffered a shock defeat in the Monte Carlo Masters round of 16 on Thursday, with the Serb falling to a 4-6 7-5 6-4 defeat at the hands of 21-year-old Italian Lorenzo Musetti.
Djokovic, 35, didn’t look good from the start of the rain-ravaged clay court match and world number 21 Musetti then broke his serve eight times during the two-hour, 54-minute match.
The Serb uncharacteristically allowed Musetti to trade breaks with him during the opening set before finally taking control.
The 22-time Grand Slam winner then took a 4-2 lead in the second set and it looked like the match was going as many expected with the No. 1 player at the helm.
However, Musetti had other ideas and fought his way back into the game to tie the score.
In the deciding set, the Italian broke his opponent’s serve before converting his fourth match point to seal the upset.
When Musetti spoke on court after the game, he tried to contain his emotions, saying, “I’m struggling not to cry.”
The winner continued: “It’s an emotional win because it was a really long game… I’m really proud of myself. I’m struggling not to cry because it’s a dream for me.”
Djokovic told reporters he was “not really in the mood to speak” and felt “terrible” after his loss.
The shock defeat will worry two-time Monte Carlo Masters champion Djokovic as it is one of his most important events in his preparation for the French Open.
Musetti now plays in the next round against compatriot Jannik Sinner.
Like Musetti, Sinner also had to win from behind to secure his spot in the quarterfinals. The Italian defeated Hubert Hurkacz 3-6 7-6 (8-6) 6-1.
Sinner will go into the match against Musetti as the favourite, but after watching his compatriot win in the round of 16, the seventh seed will know he has to be at his best.