"Everything needs to be better" - Novak Djokovic seeks to rebound from shock Rome defeat to Alejandro Tabilo
World number one Novak Djokovic suffered another early exit on clay as he went out of the Italian Open in straight sets to Alejandro Tabilo on Sunday (12 May).
Djokovic fell 6-2, 6-3 in just over an hour to the 29th seed from Chile, and told reporters afterwards that he "wasn't able to find any kind of good feelings on court" during his third-round match in Rome's Foro Italico.
After winning his opener on Thursday, the Serbian tennis great was struck on the head by a metal water bottle falling from a spectator's rucksack. Djokovic admitted the blow could have played some role in his lacklustre performance and that he would undergo medical checks.
On the incident, he reflected, "It was unexpected, obviously. I wasn't even looking up and then I felt this very strong hit on the head that has really impacted me a lot.
"We went through half an hour, an hour, of nausea and dizziness and blood and different things. But I managed to sleep OK, you know. I had headaches but the next day or yesterday it was pretty fine. I thought it was OK. Maybe it is OK, maybe it's not.
"I mean, the way I felt on the court today was just completely... like a different player within my shoes, you know. Just no rhythm, no tempo, no balance whatsoever on any shots at all, no co-ordination... It's a bit concerning. I guess medical check-ups will see what's going on*."*
Novak Djokovic seeks form for Roland Garros
Whether his display was caused by the concussion or not, Djokovic knows he has to improve if he is to challenge for a fourth French Open crown later this month. In each of his three tournaments since his Australian Open semi-final defeat to Jannik Sinner, he has failed to make the final.
When asked what he needed to look at ahead of Roland Garros, Djokovic replied, "Well, everything. Everything needs to be better in order for me to have at least a chance to win."
The 24-time Grand Slam singles title winner turns 37 next week with Olympic gold the only glaring absence from his collection. The Paris 2024 tournament - which will also be played on the famous red clay of Roland Garros - is his last chance to claim that prize.
On Saturday, his great rival Rafael Nadal revealed that he would probably attempt to win a 15th French Open title despite a straight-sets exit to Poland's seventh seed Hubert Hurkacz.