The tennis world is in shock after the unexpected defeat of Novak Djokovic in the second round of the Monte-Carlo 2025 masters against Alejandro Tabilo, ranked 32nd in the world. This setback, described by the Serbian himself as “horrible”, aroused a wave of reactions among fans, oscillating between disappointment and anger. The image of the champion with 24 Grand Slam titles, leaving the court under a few scattered whistles and facing sparse stands, marked the spirits. This scene, unusual for a player of his caliber, amplified the feeling of an unprecedented debacle.

From the end of the match, concluded in the score of 6-3, 6-4 in favor of Tabilo, Djokovic spoke at a press conference. Obviously shot, he apologized to the spectators, recognizing the poor quality of his game. “It is a horrible feeling to play like this, and I’m sorry for all those who had to attend this,” he said. These words, imbued with rare vulnerability, tried to appease a frustrated crowd, which expected more of a player in his rank, especially after his final in Miami two weeks earlier.

Fans’ reactions have been lively. On social networks, some have expressed their indignation, pointing to a supposed drop in motivation or insufficient preparation for the season on clay. Others, more measured, recalled that Djokovic, 37 years old, crosses a difficult 2025 year, marked by three defeats in the first match in tournaments. This black series, including setbacks in Doha and Indian Wells, fuels speculation about his physical and mental condition.

Beyond criticism, Djokovic has revealed a disturbing truth: a persistent eye infection has bothered it in recent weeks. “I didn’t expect to play so badly, but I knew it would be difficult with this discomfort,” he said. This announcement has divided opinion. If some fans sympathize, others believe that a champion of his caliber should have overcome this obstacle or declare forfeit to preserve his image.

This soul defeat