"It's so special for me, I grew up watching Nole, I'm his big fan" - Alejandro Davidovich Fokina after defeating Novak Djokovic in Monte-Carlo
Alejandro Davidovich Fokina stunned World No. 1 Novak Djokovic 6-3, 6-7(5), 6-1 on Tuesday to advance to the third round of the Monte-Carlo Masters. The Spaniard converted nine of the 20 break points he earned against the Serb to notch up the biggest win of his career.
Speaking after the match, Davidovich Fokina said the win was extremely special as it was against a player he grew up idolizing.
"It's so special for me. I grew up watching Nole. I'm his big fan. I look at him every tournament, every match. Here in Monte-Carlo, full people [in the stands], against the No. 1, I enjoy the moment. I'm so happy," said Davidovich Fokina during the post-match interview.
You know your shot was good when Djokovic is left applauding 👏
@alexdavidovich1 #RolexMCMasters https://t.co/o9iQTrAp4h
Davidovich Fokina got off to a strong start against a rusty Djokovic, racing to a 4-1 lead in the opening set after breaking the Serb twice. He maintained his advantage over the rest of the set to take control of the match.
Djokovic erased a 3-0 deficit in the second set and forced a tie-break. Davidovich Fokina took the initiative, going a mini break-up at 4-2. The Spaniard found himself just two points away from victory at 5-4, but struck two unforced errors to give the Serb set point.
Djokovic hit a forehand pass to seal the set, before putting his finger to his ear, smiling and letting out a roar as he pumped his fist in the air.
Hello, hello, baby, you called? I can't hear a thing 😉
@DjokerNole #RolexMCMasters https://t.co/jwQpTSel84
The celebration, however, was short-lived as Davidovich Fokina broke Djokovic early in the third and ran away with the set.
The Spaniard revealed that he had to battle his inner demons after losing the second set, but was proud of the way he fought in the third.
"When he won the second set, it was tough mentally. But i was working so hard to be more focused. It doesn't matter if I lost the second or the first set. I have to be prepared for the worst. That was it," said Davidovich Fokina.
Stunning the Monaco establishment 🤴
The moment @alexdavidovich1 secured the biggest win of his career against 2x #RolexMCMasters champ Djokovic! https://t.co/fdXvA55g6o
Novak Djokovic played just 3 matches prior to Monte-Carlo
Djokovic, who came into the tournament with just three matches under his belt in 2022, sprayed 51 errors while hitting only 27 winners. His Spanish opponent had 10 more winners, outplaying Novak Djokovic on the backhand side with 17 winners to five.
Novak Djokovic will look to bounce back at the Serbia Open next week.
Great seeing you back in action today, @DjokerNole 🙏
#RolexMCMasters https://t.co/3ZV5FMR3rc
Also Check Out :-Monte Carlo Masters 2022 Results