Jiri Vesely stuns World number 1 Novak Djokovic 6-4 2-6 6-4 in just over two hours in the second round of the Rolex Masters in Monte-Carlo at the Monte-Carlo Country Club, where the Serbian star won two of the past three editions and trains every day. Djokovic has suffered his second defeat of the year and his earliest loss on the ATP Tour since losing to Grigor Dimitrov in the second round in Madrid in 2013.
Except from a shock exit in this year’s Dubai quarter finals against Feliciano Lopez, when he was forced to retire due to a eye infection, Djokovic has won 9 of his 10 tournaments since the Cincinnati final in 2015 when he lost to Roger Federer. Since then he has won 22 consecutive matches at Masters 1000 level. He won 14 matches in a row including his back-to-back titles in Indian Wells and Miami. He had clinched 18 of his last 20 matches in Monte-Carlo.
The defeat of Djokovic means that both last year’s Monte-Carlo finalists have been knocked out of the tournament after just two rounds.
Vesely lost just one point in his first four service points in the first eight games of the first set. Vesely earned three break points and broke serve in the ninth game for 5-4 on a forehand error. Vesely brought up a double set point with a backhand into the corner and served out at 15 to clinch the first set 6-4. Vesely played a very solid first set in which he dropped just two points in five service games and won 20 of his 22 points played on his serve.
Djokovic bounced back by breaking in the sixth game of the second set for 4-2. Vesely double faulted to face a double set point on his serve. The Czech saved the first break point with ace but sailed a forehand beyond the baseline to drop his serve on the second set point.
Vesely broke Djokovic in the first game of the decisive set, but the Serbian star broke straight back in the next game. Vesely broke again in the third game to take a 2-1 lead and held his next service games. Vesely backed up his break for 3-1 with a backhand drop volley. Vesely fired his fourth ace to pull away to 4-2.
Djokovic saved a match point at 3-5 with a backhand volley inside the sideline in the 9th game to force Vesely to serve out for the match. The young Czech player served out for the win at 5-4 in the 10th game to claim the biggest victory of his career. Serving for the match, Vesely hit a backhand drop shot from behind the baseline. Vesely followed it up with a serve winner. Vesely claimed the win on the second match point as Djokovic’s forehand landed wide.
Vesely claimed the inaugural ATP Star of Tomorrow in 2013 before reaching two finals in 2015. He won his first title as a qualifier in Auckland and lost to Guillermo Garcia Lopez in the Bucharest final in 2015. Earlier this year he won just one match in seven tournaments but he returned to his best form recently when he reached the semifinals in Marrakesh where he lost against Borna Coric. Vesely will take on either Gael Monfils or Paolo Lorenzi in the third round. He had never advanced beyond the first round in Monte-Carlo. Vesely has scored his first win against a top-10 in his career in eight attempts.
“It’ s something amazing. When I went on court, I had completely different thinking. I hoped to win a game, hoped to do well. I really didn’t think I could beat Novak today. Novak was not at his best level He made a lot of mistakes from the beginning. That’s what gave me a little bit more confidence creating the rallies. I didn’t give him too much rhythm”, said Vesely.
Djokovic had won nine of his last 10 tournaments, including two Grand Slams and four consecutive Masters 1000 titles.
“I was playing really bad. I wasn’t feeling any freshness. There is the proof that nobody is unbeatable. It’s not easy to lose the match in terms of accepting it, but I have to congratulate my opponent. I will get a long break. The time off will serve me mentally mostly. I have to move on. It’s already behind me. I have had already an incredible start to the season and this match will not disturb my preparation for the rest of the season”, said Djokovic.
