Monte-Carlo, Avril 2025-which promised to be a memorable day at the prestigious Masters 1000 in Monte-Carlo ended in a nightmare, both for the public and for Novak Djokovic himself. The legend of Serbian tennis ended up in the heart of a media and emotional storm after many fans already qualify as “Worse match of his career”, some even calling it“The most frustrating and offensive match never played in the recent history of professional tennis.”

The setting was perfect: packed stands, a radiant sun on the French Riviera and Djokovic as the main attraction of the day. However, on the central court, it is a mixture of apathy, direct faults and an attitude bordering on contempt for the public that took place. Djokovic, opposite the young Italian Lorenzo Santi, committed nine double faults in three sets and missed more than 30 base of short without pressure, in what looked like a apathetic and disconnected version of the 24 times winner in a big slam.

What had started with murmurs of disappointment in the front rows has turned into insults, whistles and a massive outing. More than 100 spectators left their seats during the second set, some being even filmed shouting:“It’s not tennis, it’s a mockery! »»

A German couple interviewed by local media said:“We paid 250 euros for these tickets. We wanted to see an idol competing, not someone who plays as if he were deprived of exit. »»

On social networks, the hashtags #DJOKOVICOFFLINE and #RESSPOBLIC have been around the world in a few minutes. Some users even joked by saying that“Djokovic seemed more interested in consulting his phone than hitting the ball.”

A few hours after the disaster, and under increasing pressure, Djokovic published a declaration on his official Instagram account:“I want to apologize to all those who attended Monte-Carlo today. I was not up to expectations or the level that this tournament and its fans deserve. I’m going through a difficult period, but it’s not an excuse for disrespecting sport or you. »»

Although the gesture has been welcomed with a certain understanding by some faithful, many believe that the apologies arrived too late and that“Evil was already done”.

Since his return to the circuit after a brief interruption in early 2025, Djokovic has shown signs of uncertainty in his career. If he seems in full physical shape, his behavior on the court is erratic: sudden abandon, verbal altercations with line judges, and now, a apathetic attitude that has triggered the greatest wave of criticism of his career.

Some analysts have suggested that the Serbian could consider a quiet retirement, or even a symbolic withdrawal of the tournaments in which he does not feel emotionally invested.“He doesn’t need more trophies, but he needs to find his love for the game”,said a former tennis player in ESPN.

Others, on the other hand, see in this episode a clear message addressed to ATP: Djokovic would have been upset by calendar problems, the requirements of sponsors and a lack of rest.“It was perhaps his way of protesting. It was not the best, but it was powerful. »»

As Roland-Garros approaches, doubts about the preparation and state of mind of the world number one are increasing. Will the Djokovic who won everything tight teeth and steel look will it come back? Or are we witnessing the last chapters of one of the most intense and controversial careers of modern tennis?

For the moment, the only certainty is that the dust raised at Monte-Carlo will not easily fall. And while the public meditates on what he has experienced, Djokovic will have to decide if he continues to fight for glory or if he finally yields to silence which, for the moment, seems to have invaded his tennis.