Monte Carlo, April 2025 – What promised to be a memorable day at the prestigious Monte Carlo Masters 1000 ended in a nightmare, both for the public and for Novak Djokovic himself . The Serbian tennis legend found himself embroiled in a media and emotional storm after what many fans are already calling “the worst match of his career” and some even calling it “the most frustrating and offensive game ever played in the recent history of professional tennis.”
The setting was perfect: packed stands, bright sunshine on the French Riviera, and Djokovic as the day’s main attraction. However, what unfolded on Center Court was a combination of apathy, unforced errors, and an attitude bordering on contempt for the crowd. Djokovic, facing the young Italian Lorenzo Santi, committed nine double faults in straight sets and missed more than 30 groundstrokes without pressure , in what looked like a listless and disconnected version of the 24-time Grand Slam champion.
What began as murmurs of disappointment in the front rows escalated into insults, hisses, and a mass walkout . More than 100 spectators left their seats during the second set, some even caught on camera shouting, “This isn’t tennis, it’s a mockery!”
A German couple interviewed by local media commented: “We paid 250 euros for these tickets. We wanted to see an idol compete, not someone playing like they’re grounded.”
On social media, the hashtags #DjokovicOffline and #RespectThePublic trended globally within minutes. Some users even joked that “Djokovic seemed more interested in checking his phone than hitting the ball.”
Hours after the disaster, and under mounting pressure, Djokovic posted a statement on his official Instagram account:
“I want to apologize to everyone who attended Monte Carlo today. I didn’t live up to expectations or the level this tournament and its fans deserve. I’m going through a difficult personal time, but that’s no excuse to disrespect the sport or you.”
Although the gesture was received with some understanding by some loyal followers, many feel the apology came too late and that “the damage had already been done.”
Since returning to the tour after a brief hiatus in early 2025, Djokovic has shown signs of being in an uncertain phase of his career. While he appears physically fit, his on-court behavior has been erratic: sudden withdrawals, verbal clashes with linesmen, and now, a listless attitude that has sparked the biggest wave of criticism of his career.
Some analysts have suggested that the Serbian could be considering a quiet retirement, or even a symbolic withdrawal from tournaments he doesn’t feel emotionally invested in. “He doesn’t need more trophies, but he does need to find his love for the game again,” one former tennis player told ESPN.
Others, however, see this episode as a clear message to the ATP: Djokovic was reportedly upset about scheduling issues, sponsor demands, and a lack of real rest. “Perhaps this was his way of protesting. It wasn’t the best, but it was powerful.”
With Roland Garros just around the corner, doubts about the world number one’s preparation and state of mind are multiplying. Will the Djokovic who won everything with gritted teeth and a steely gaze return? Or are we witnessing the final chapters of one of the most intense and controversial careers in modern tennis?
For now, the only certainty is that the dust raised in Monte Carlo won’t settle easily . And while the public reflects on what he experienced, Djokovic will have to decide whether to continue fighting for glory or finally give in to the silence that, at the moment, seems to have invaded his tennis .
