Tabilo’s Triumph: Did He Really Think Djokovic Wanted Revenge?

Alejandro Tabilo’s stunning victory over Novak Djokovic at the Monte Carlo Masters has sent shockwaves through the tennis world. Not only did the Chilean player defeat the world number one, but he did so convincingly, maintaining a perfect record against the Serbian superstar. But beyond the on-court triumph, Tabilo’s comments about Djokovic’s potential mindset added another layer of intrigue to the story. Did Tabilo genuinely believe Djokovic wanted to “kill” him on the court after a previous defeat? Let’s delve into the details of this surprising match and the context surrounding Tabilo’s intriguing statement.

The Upset in Monte Carlo

In a stunning second-round encounter at the Monte Carlo Masters on Wednesday, April 9, 2025, Alejandro Tabilo defeated Novak Djokovic 6-3, 6-4. This victory marked Tabilo’s second win against Djokovic in less than a year, having previously beaten him at the Italian Open in Rome. The match lasted just under an hour and a half, with Tabilo displaying composure and capitalizing on what many observers described as a below-par performance from Djokovic.

Djokovic, a two-time champion in Monte Carlo, struggled with his rhythm and committed a number of unforced errors. Tabilo, on the other hand, served well and maintained his nerve during crucial moments, securing the win and advancing to the next round. This win was particularly significant for Tabilo, who had been searching for form after a challenging start to the year.

Tabilo’s Perspective

Following his victory, Tabilo shared his thoughts on the match and his mindset going in. While he didn’t explicitly state that he thought Djokovic wanted to “kill” him, his comments alluded to an awareness of the competitive intensity Djokovic brings to every match, especially after a loss.

Tabilo acknowledged the pressure he felt, stating, “It has been a tough year, so a little bit of the nerves were there. I remembered last time what I did well, and thankfully I served well today, and it helped me a lot. It was an unreal match.” This suggests that Tabilo was conscious of the challenge of facing Djokovic, a player known for his mental fortitude and determination to bounce back from setbacks.

Djokovic’s Disappointment

Novak Djokovic, known for his relentless pursuit of excellence, openly expressed his disappointment with his performance. “Horrible feeling to play this way, and just sorry for all the people that have to witness this,” Djokovic said after the match. He admitted that he had entered the match without high expectations but was still surprised by the level of his play. “I knew I’m going to have a tough opponent, and I knew I’m going to probably play pretty bad,” Djokovic said. “But this bad, I didn’t expect.”

This candid admission highlights the high standards Djokovic sets for himself and his frustration when he falls short. While he didn’t specifically address Tabilo’s previous victory or any sense of wanting revenge, his disappointment underscores the competitive nature of their encounters.

The Bigger Picture

Tabilo’s victory over Djokovic is not just a personal triumph but also a significant achievement in the context of his career. Prior to Monte Carlo, Tabilo had a 2-9 record for the year, making this win a much-needed boost. It also marked his first consecutive tour-level wins since August of the previous year.

Moreover, Tabilo joins an exclusive club of players who have won their first two career meetings against Djokovic. This list includes tennis legends such as Rafael Nadal, Roger Federer, and Marat Safin. Adding to the impressiveness, Tabilo is one of only four players to achieve this feat without dropping a set, alongside Nadal, Safin, and Nick Kyrgios.

Three Surprising Facts About Djokovic’s Defeat

1. Tabilo’s Form Reversal: Tabilo entered Monte Carlo with a 2-9 record for the season and an eight-match losing streak on clay courts. His victory over Djokovic marked a significant turnaround in form.
2. Exclusive Club: Tabilo is one of only nine players to win his first two career meetings against Novak Djokovic.
3. Left-Handed Advantage: Djokovic has historically dominated left-handed players, with a winning percentage of 90.6% against lefties other than Rafael Nadal before facing Tabilo in Rome last year. Tabilo, a left-handed player, has now defeated Djokovic twice.

What’s Next for Tabilo?

Following his impressive win against Djokovic, Tabilo advanced to the third round of the Monte Carlo Masters, where he faced Grigor Dimitrov. This victory provides Tabilo with valuable momentum as he continues his clay-court season, with his sights set on further success at the Masters 1000 event.

Final Thoughts

Whether Alejandro Tabilo truly believed Novak Djokovic wanted to “kill” him on the court is open to interpretation. However, his comments reflect an understanding of the intense rivalry and competitive spirit that defines professional tennis. Tabilo’s victory in Monte Carlo is a testament to his talent and determination, and it will be fascinating to see how he builds on this success in the future.