Google News
For the second straight year, Novak Djokovic failed to reach the Monte Carlo quarter-final following a loss to Alejandro Davidovich Fokina. The Serb was miles from his best after playing only the fourth match of the season, hoping for a better run at home in Belgrade next week.
A year ago, Novak hit the exit door in the third round in Monte Carlo, falling to Daniel Evans 6-4, 7-5 in two hours and six minutes. The Briton came to Monte Carlo with four ATP victories in a career and none since 2017! Against all odds, he earned three wins in the Principality to find himself in the quarter-final.
Novak played well against Jannik Sinner in the second round, and that was not the case a day later.
Daniel Evans defeated Novak Djokovic in Monte Carlo last year.
The Serb struggled with the conditions and the rival's slices and changes of pace to suffer the season's first loss.
Djokovic fired 28 winners and 45 unforced errors, struggling to find the timing and spraying too many mistakes from his backhand wing. Daniel played better in the mid-range exchanges and endured all the efforts to overpower Novak in straight sets and celebrate the most notable victory at 30.
The Briton fended off seven out of ten break chances and stole the Serb's serve five times from seven opportunities. Daniel delivered better tennis in the pivotal moments to topple the most formidable rival when talking about mental strength.
Evans stayed calm after losing serve in the opener and returned from 3-0 down in set number two to cross the finish line without playing a decider. "It has not sunk in yet. I could not believe the last ball went over the net; it nearly did not.
I was pleased, and I felt good, regardless of how I was playing coming into the match. You can never be confident coming into such a big match like the one against Novak. It's a big win, and I'm delighted that I got through, especially being a break down and facing troubles in the first set.
The biggest thing is that you have to believe in your abilities. Of course, I had doubts during the match. Serving it out is not easy, as you have all sorts of things running through your head. I'm happy with how it went, and it will be one to savor for maybe after the tournament.
I can tell the kids and grandkids that I beat world No. 1. It feels nice," Daniel Evans said.