Last Updated: 12/04/22 7:36 p.m. Use the Chrome browser for a more accessible video player Novak Djokovic suffered an early withdrawal from the Monte Carlo Masters by the Spaniard Alejandro Davidovic Fokina, admitting that he “ran out of gas”. Novak Djokovic suffered an early withdrawal from the Monte Carlo Masters by the Spaniard Alejandro Davidovic Fokina, admitting that he “ran out of gas”. Novak Djokovic’s lack of fitness took him to the Masters in Monte Carlo on Tuesday, as the No. 1 in the world withdrew from the tournament in the hands of Alejandro Davidovic Fokina. The Serb, playing only in the second game of the year, made 51 effortless mistakes in difficult conditions to come out with 6-3 6-7 (5-7) 6-1 in the second round. Djokovic returned to the floor for the first time since Dubai in February, where he lost in the quarterfinals to Jiri Vesely, but the Spanish No. 46 was much stronger in the decisive set to escape victory. The 20-time Grand Slam champion had chosen not to try to compete in the US hard court swing due to restrictions on his Covid-19 vaccination status. “I’m disappointed. Nobody likes to lose. We are professional athletes. We do that. We go out on the field to compete and try to win against each other,” Djokovic said. “I did not like the way I felt physically in the third set. I just ran out of gas completely. I just could not really stay in the rally with him. If you can not stay in the rally without feeling your feet in the clay, the mission is impossible. “So, I do not like this feeling that I felt in the third set, but I will discuss with my team the reasons why this happened and I will return to the draw and I hope that next week will be better in Belgrade.” Use the Chrome browser for a more accessible video player Brazilian star Neymar and PSG teammate Marco Verratti helped Djokovic rest with a “keepy-up” game
Brazilian star Neymar and PSG teammate Marco Verratti helped Djokovic rest with a “keepy-up” game A two-time winner in Monte Carlo, Djokovic was looking for a quick defeat when he lost the first set and then broke immediately at the beginning of the second. The Spaniard showed his inexperience with a pointless dive early in the seventh game of the set, causing fears of injury and allowing Djokovic to score 10 points in a row as he broke and loved to fight with his upper hand. The momentum turned in the direction of Davidovic Fokina when Djokovic, serve for the set, made four mistakes that were not forced to allow his opponent to make a break back and finally force a tiebreak. However, having returned from 4-2 to win the breaker, Djokovic’s lack of practice showed that he broke three more times in a one-sided decisive set. 9 vs. Alejandro Davidovich Fokina at the Monte Carlo Masters (most in the best of three sets) 9 vs. Dominic Thiem at the French Open 2019 9 vs. Rafael Nadal at the French Open 2012 9 vs. Guillermo Lopez at Wimbledon 2005 9 vs. Marat Safin at the Australian Open 2005 “This victory is so special for me because I grew up watching Nole (Djokovic) and I am a big fan of him,” said Davidovic Fokina in his post-match interview. “I knew Nole was not confident because he did not play much this season. I had my opportunities at the beginning of the match and I used them. “When he won the second set it was difficult mentally, but I work hard to stay focused. I had to be prepared for the war.” Djokovic hopes to build his form for the French Open next month, where he will defend his crown. “That is the big goal of the dirt season,” Djokovic said. “I knew a few days ago when I spoke to you … that it would take time for me to really feel my best on the ground. “Historically this has always been the case. I have never played very well in the opening tournaments of the clay court. But it does not matter, I have to accept defeat and keep working.” Britain’s Dan Evans defeated France’s Benjamin Bonzi 6-0 7-6 (7-4) in the opening match of the day and advanced to the second round of the famous clay court tournament. Last year’s semifinal will face David Goffin after the Belgian beat Jiri Lehecka 6-4 6-3. Cameron Norrie, who has climbed to the top 10 in the world, faces No. 37 in the world Albert Ramos-Vinolas on Wednesday.

Nadal bypasses the Barcelona Open, the return date remains uncertain

                                                            Rafael Nadal is still unsure when he can return to competitive tennis

Rafael Nadal is still unsure when he can return to competitive tennis after leaving this month’s ATP event in Barcelona as he recovers from a rib injury. The Spaniard, who has won 21 Grand Slam titles in the singles, was ruled out for up to six weeks last month with a stress fracture in his ribs. Nadal complained of a chest problem during his run in the ATP 1000 final at Indian Wells last month. Tests in Barcelona revealed “a fracture due to pressure in the third left lateral arch”. Madrid and Rome will host the ATP Masters 1000 next month and Nadal will hope to compete in the run-up to the French Open from May 22 to June 5, which has won a record 13 times. Don’t forget to follow us on skysports.com/tennis, our Twitter account @skysportstennis & Sky Sports – on the go! Available for download now on – iPhone & iPad and Android