MONACO (AP) — Novak Djokovic’s latest bid to win a 100th career singles title ended Wednesday in another shock defeat to a familiar face.
Alejandro Tabilo, who handed the 24-time Grand Slam champion a surprising loss at the Italian Open last year, beat Djokovic 6-3, 6-4 in the second round of the Monte Carlo Masters.
Djokovic, who recently lost the Miami Open final to Jakub Mensik, turns 38 next month — shortly before the French Open starts on May 25.
Tabilo clinched victory on his second match point when Djokovic returned his strong serve long.
Djokovic had saved one match point in the ninth game when he was trailing 5-3 and 30-40 on his serve, clipping a neat drop shot over the net which his Chilean opponent could not reach.
Djokovic then held for 5-4 before Tabilo sealed another upset win.
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AP tennis: https://apnews.com/hub/tennis
