Novak Djokovic, the 24-time Grand Slam champion, faced a surprising upset at the Italian Open on Sunday. Djokovic, known for his exceptional performance on the court, admitted that his match against 29th-seeded Alejandro Tabilo was concerning due to his poor display.
The match marked Djokovic's first appearance since an incident where he was accidentally hit on the head by a water bottle while signing autographs. Despite experiencing headaches, Djokovic decided to play but struggled to find his rhythm during the game.
Djokovic's performance was uncharacteristic as he made several unforced errors and failed to capitalize on break point opportunities. Tabilo took advantage of Djokovic's struggles, securing a 6-2, 6-3 victory in just 68 minutes.
Following the defeat, Djokovic expressed his disappointment at his performance, acknowledging the need for medical checkups to understand his physical condition better. The loss at the Italian Open marked Djokovic's worst showing at the tournament, where he had previously enjoyed success.
Despite the setback, Djokovic remains focused on improving his game on clay as he prepares to defend his title at the upcoming French Open. The defeat at the Italian Open serves as a wake-up call for the Serbian player, who is determined to bounce back stronger in future competitions.
In the women's tournament, second-seeded Aryna Sabalenka advanced to the fourth round with a convincing win, while American Sofia Kenin suffered an upset at the hands of Slovakian qualifier Rebecca Sramkova.
As the Italian Open continues, fans eagerly anticipate more thrilling matches and unexpected outcomes on the clay courts of Rome.
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