(Tennis news) In a shocking result, Novak Djokovic crashes out of the Monte Carlo Masters after losing to Lorenzo Musetti 4-6 7-5 6-4. The 22 time Grand Slam winner surrendered a one set and 4-2 lead in a rain interrupted match. Despite securing the opening set, Djokovic couldn’t find his best level and struggled to match the pace and intensity in the windy conditions. The 35 year old lost serve seven times before play was paused with the score 1-1 due to rain in the third game of the deciding set.

When play resumed, the tie remained on serve until the 7th game and the 21 year old Italian managed to get a decisive break. Djokovic has won the Monte Carlo Masters in 2013 and 2015 and managed to save three match points before losing the game with the clash lasting two hours and 54 minutes. The result meant that Musetti will now take on Jannik Sinner in the next round after he defeated Poland’s Hubert Hurkacz 3-6 7-6 (6) 6-1. 

Speaking in the on-court interview after the match, Musetti said “I am struggling not to cry. It was an emotional win because it was a really long match. Three-hour match and suspended by rain. It was not easy conditions because it was a little bit windy and cold – not like we used to play in the recent days. I am really proud of myself. I am struggling not to cry because it is a dream for me. Beating Novak is something remarkable for me.”

In other results, reigning champion Stefanos Tsitsipas overcame Chile’s Nicolas Jarry 6-3 6-4 and will take on Taylor Fritz in the next match. Meanwhile, world number 4 Casper Ruud was eliminated by Germany’s Jan-Lennard Struff, losing 6-1 7-6 (6). Denmark’s Holger Rune received a walkover as Matteo Berrettini was forced to retire due to injury while Andrey Rublev overcame Karen Khachanov 7-6 (4) 6-2.

Also read: Daniil Medvedev reaches Monte Carlo Masters last 16 with win over Sonego