World number one Novak Djokovic was not a happy man on Saturday night (AEST) in Monte Carlo.
The Serbian superstar’s 2024 struggles continued after he was knocked out of the Monte Carlo Masters by Casper Ruud in the semi-finals.
The 10th-ranked Norwegian beat the world number one 6-4, 1-6, 6-4 for a first win in six attempts against the record 24-time Grand Slam title winner.
Djokovic struggled in the early stages of the match as he dropped two of his opening three service games as Ruud claimed the opening set.
The 36-year-old bounced back emphatically to wipe his opponent off the court and level the match up at one-set apiece.
Things took an ugly turn however in the deciding set when Djokovic’s frustrations with a fan in the stands boiled over.
After missing a regulation forehand, while down 3-4, he turned his attention to an individual sitting behind the baseline and unleashed an expletive spray.
“Would you shut the f*** up,” Djokovic shouted before muttering more in the direction of the fan.
Things didn’t get any better for the Serbian who once again fell short in his fourth event of the season.
Despite the slump, he remains confident in being able to bounce back as the second grand slam on the calendar draws closer.
“There are positives to take away for sure, but I’m used to a really high standard in terms of expectations and results,” he said.
“Not having a title is – compared to the last 15 years – not a great season at all.”
Djokovic has played in only four events this season but expects to pick up his pace as his clay court campaign heads to Madrid and Rome before a return to Roland Garros.
He arrived in Monte Carlo having skipped Miami after a shock loss to 123rd-ranked Luca Nardi at the Indian Wells Masters.
“I had semis in Australia, the semis here. It’s normal to expect that you have some seasons where you don’t start well – this is the one,” he added.
“Hopefully, I can pick up. In terms of results, I can build from here.
“I’ve played some good tennis. Hopefully, in the next tournaments I’ll be able to play even better.”
Ruud will face Stefanos Tsitsipas in Sunday’s title match in Monte Carlo after the Greek beat Australian Open champion and world number two Jannik Sinner in his semi-final.
– with AFP
