Monte Carlo Masters: The world’s top seed, Novak Djokovic, was eliminated from the Rolex Monte Carlo Masters after an unexpected loss to Lorenzo Musetti of Italy in the round of 16.
The 22-time grand slam champion in Monaco lost 4-6 7-5 6-4 after giving up a one-set and 4-2 advantage.
Djokovic struggled to perform at his peak after winning the opening match because of the windy conditions on Court Rainier III.
In the third game of the decisive set, with the score tied at 1, the 35-year-old lost serve seven times before bad weather forced the players to leave.
When play resumed, the tie stayed on serve until the seventh game, when Musetti, a 21-year-old, earned what ultimately proved to be the deciding break.
LORENZ😱😱😱
Musetti defeats World No. 1 Djokovic 4-6 7-5 6-4 to make the last 8 here in Monte Carlo! #RolexMonteCarloMasters pic.twitter.com/Uvr2VEBnSq
— Rolex Monte-Carlo Masters (@ROLEXMCMASTERS) April 13, 2023
The tournament’s top seed, top-seeded Novak Djokovic, fought valiantly to save three match points before falling to the world No. 21 in a thrilling battle lasting two hours and 54 minutes.
According to atptour.com, Musetti admitted during his on-court interview that he was “struggling not to cry.”
“Since the game lasted so long, it was an emotional victory. a three-hour game that was called off due to weather. The weather was not ideal because it was chilly and a little windy, unlike the prior days when we used to play.
“I genuinely admire myself. It is a dream come true for me, therefore I’m fighting back the tears. For me, defeating Novak is a fantastic accomplishment.”
Musetti will face his countryman Jannik Sinner in the quarterfinals as compensation for his first career victory over the Serbian.
Earlier on Thursday, Hubert Hurkacz of Poland was defeated by Sinner 3-6 7-6 (6) 6-1 in a comeback.
Meanwhile, Nicolas Jarry of Chile was defeated by incumbent champion Stefanos Tsitsipas 6-3 6-4 in Monte Carlo, where he is vying for his third straight victory.
With Taylor Fritz’s 4-6 6-4 6-1 comeback victory over Jiri Lehecka of the Czech Republic, the American will face the second-seeded Greek player in the round of eight.
The 2022 French Open and US Open champion Casper Ruud, ranked fourth in the world, was eliminated after falling to Germany’s Jan-Lennard Struff, losing 6-1 7-6. (6).
Holger Rune of Denmark defeated injured 2021 Wimbledon runner-up Matteo Berrettini in a walkover match, and Andrey Rublev defeated Karen Khachanov of Russia 7-6 (4) 6-2.
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