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Tennis: Djokovic loses Monte Carlo Masters opener

MONACO –

Novak Djokovic opened his clay-court season with a stunning loss to Alejandro Davidovich Fokina on the Monte Carlo Masters on Tuesday.

Davidovich Fokina surprised the top-ranked Serb 6-3, 6-7 (5), 6-1 within the second spherical handy Djokovic one other setback as he tries to maneuver on from the controversy surrounding his refusal to get vaccinated in opposition to COVID-19.

It makes for uncommon back-to-back losses for Djokovic, who had not performed since being eradicated within the quarterfinals of the Dubai Tennis Championships in February — his solely earlier match this 12 months after he was barred from taking part in on the Australian Open.

Djokovic struggled from the beginning because the Forty sixth-ranked Spaniard broke him early to drag forward 4-1 earlier than one other break handed him the primary set. Davidovich Fokina saved up the strain and led 3-0 within the second earlier than Djokovic clawed again. However the Serb continued to battle on his serve and was damaged thrice within the decider.

“He was the higher participant,” Djokovic stated. “I used to be hanging on the ropes all the match.”

The Serb stated he was too exhausted to place up a struggle within the third set.

“I collapsed,” Djokovic stated. “I simply ran out of gasoline fully … If you cannot keep within the rally, not feeling your legs on the clay, it is mission inconceivable.”

Djokovic had overwhelmed Davidovich Fokina in straight units twice final 12 months, in Rome and on the Tokyo Olympics.

“I am so completely happy for the win in the present day,” Davidovich Fokina stated. “I missed (Djokovic) on the tour.”

Djokovic couldn’t defend his Australian Open title in January after he was deported from the nation for not being vaccinated. He needed to skip tournaments in Indian Wells, Calif., and Miami as a result of he could not journey to the USA for a similar purpose.

The authorities in France and Monaco lifted most COVID-19 restrictions final month, permitting individuals who aren’t vaccinated into the nation and again into eating places, sports activities arenas and different venues.

Which means Djokovic will be capable to play on the French Open, which stays his “huge purpose of the clay season.”

“I knew that it’ll take a while for me to essentially really feel my greatest on the clay,” Djokovic stated. “I’ve to just accept defeat and maintain working … and hopefully construct my kind for Roland Garros.”

The French Open begins on Could 22 in Paris.

Defending champion Stefanos Tsitsipas of Greece eased into the third spherical by beating 2019 winner Fabio Fognini 6-3, 6-0.

First-round winners included David Goffin of Belgium and Taylor Fritz of the USA. 

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