It is a strange headline to write, but Djokovic loses to Tabilo in Rome, only winning 5 games 2-6 3-6. Well done to Chilean, but what is up with Novak?
Yesterday, he was accidentally hit with a metal water bottle when the crowd wanted his autograph. Today, he lost without a fight to Alejandro Tabilo. Tabilo is having a breakthrough year and is currently ranked 19th in the race, but no one saw this result coming. You have to give credit where credit is due, but you can still ask what is happening with Djokovic. Did he suffer from some kind of concussion after the bottle incident, or is he just not in form or inspired to give his best?
Rumors have been circulating about Djokovic retiring this year, and this is starting to look increasingly likely after his results thus far in 2024. Results like this is not going to make him more inspired to continue.
The energy at the Masters in Rome is quite strange this year, with so many favorites gone due to injury. Perhaps we could not expect Nadal to beat Hurkacz, but Djokovic was the overwhelming favorite against Tabilo. But after a lacklustre performance, he has some thinking to do to get ready for the French Open.
We do know that Djokovic plays the slams on a different gear, but considering what happened at the Australian Open and how poor his season has been in terms of results, he will not be as strong of a favorite as he usually is.
Alejandro Tabilo
Djokovic loses to Tabilo in Rome and questions arise, but we should not forget the impressive play from the Chilean. Alejandro Tabilo is having the best season in his career so far. Before the match against Djokovic, he was featured on the ATP Tour website, answering a few questions. You can check out the rest of the questions via the link.
What are two essential non-tennis items you always pack for trips?
Lately I’ve been travelling with my console for days off. I play FIFA and Call of Duty to distract myself and do something different, competition permitting. I also bring a small photo of my girlfriend.
Have you ever forgotten anything important?
So many times! The one I remember the most is when I lost my wallet in Brazil on the way to a tournament. We were on a layover in Sao Paulo, and I left my wallet at the security booth. Luckily, I’d given my coach a card beforehand so that he could pay for the luggage, so we still had money.
Then they found my wallet and I had to go back to Sao Paulo a month later… just to pick it up. They kept it for me. I’ve had problems losing things, but we’ve always managed. My team bug me a lot because I’m very forgetful. They’re always checking to see if I’ve left something behind.
What is your favourite tournament city to visit and why?
I really like all the cities in Italy. I have great memories of when I was a boy and I still played for Canada (his country of birth). I was in this country for several months playing matches. So, I’ve travelled around it a lot. Its cities really hold great memories for me.
Tabilo is currently 32 in the world.
- Age 26 (1997.06.02)
- Weight 165 lbs (75kg)
- Height 6’2″ (188cm)
- Turned pro 2015
- Birthplace Toronto, Canada
- Plays Left-Handed, Two-Handed Backhand
- Coach Guillermo Gome
Tabilo’s racquet
Alejandro Tabilo’s racquet is a Yonex VCORE, but it is difficult to say whether it is a 98 or 100. He strings it with Poly Tour Pro mains and Poly Tour Spin crosses, similar to Casper Ruud.
If you have any more information in terms of customization, specifications or tension, let me know in the comments below or via @tennisnerdnerdinsta on Instagram.
