On April 11, 2025, a dramatic match at the Monte-Carlo Masters made headlines when Novak Djokovic lost to Andy Murray in a nail-biting third-round clash. The Serbian tennis star, who entered the tournament as world number one and defending champion, lost 6-4, 4-6, 6-7 after an intense third-set tiebreak. But the real surprise came after the match, when Murray’s coach, Mark Petchey, made an unexpected statement in a press conference that sent both Djokovic and the tennis world into a frenzy.
Petchey began the press conference with an apology that surprised many. “I’m sorry,” he said with a serious expression. “I want to apologize to the fans and to Novak if it seemed like we were disrespectful. But I have to tell the truth.” The coach revealed that Djokovic had been struggling with health issues throughout the tournament. “He wasn’t at 100%, but he gave it his all,” Petchey explained. “Novak had been dealing with a minor wrist injury over the past few days, which limited his movement. Despite this, he wanted to play because he knew how important this tournament is for him and his fans. We hope people understand that.”
The revelation came as a surprise to many, as Djokovic had shown no obvious signs of pain during the match. He fought until the final point and delivered a top-level duel with Murray. But Petchey emphasized that the injury had affected Djokovic’s return, which made the difference at crucial moments in the match. “Andy took full advantage of that,” Petchey admitted. “He didn’t give Novak any time to adjust and, with his aggressiveness and precision, deservedly won.”
Murray, who finally appears to be back in top form after a difficult season, expressed respect for his opponent after the match. “Novak is one of the best players of all time,” said the Briton. “I knew he wouldn’t give up, no matter how he felt. It was an incredibly tough match, and I’m just glad I pulled it off.” Murray, who had often lost to Djokovic in the past, seized his opportunity and played one of his best matches in years. His return to the top 20 of the world rankings now seems within reach.
Fan reactions were mixed. Many praised Petchey for his honesty and Djokovic’s dedication to being on the court despite his injury. “This shows how much Novak loves the game,” one fan wrote on X. “He could have retired, but he fought. Respect!” Others, however, were less sympathetic. “If he’s injured, he shouldn’t play and then makes excuses,” commented another user. “This takes away the glory Andy deserves.”
Djokovic himself only made a brief statement after the match. “It was a tough day,” he said with visible disappointment. “Andy played brilliantly, and I congratulate him. I’m going to take a few days off now and prepare for the next tournaments.” The Serb, who won the Australian Open earlier this year, is known for his ability to recover quickly after setbacks. But the clay-court season, which culminates with the French Open, will be a challenge for him, especially if his injury doesn’t fully heal.
For Murray, the victory marks an important step in his career. After years of injuries and setbacks, the 37-year-old finally seems to be returning to his former strength. His coach Petchey expressed optimism: “Andy is in great shape. This win gives him the confidence he needs to go even further in the coming weeks.” Murray will face Carlos Alcaraz in the quarterfinals, a match that is already being touted as a potential highlight of the tournament.
As the tennis world continues to debate Djokovic’s loss and Petchey’s statement, the question remains as to how this revelation will affect Djokovic’s season. For now, Murray has proven he’s far from being written off, and Djokovic will do everything he can to return stronger. The Monte-Carlo Masters has once again demonstrated that nothing is predictable in tennis—and that’s precisely what makes the sport so fascinating.
