Despite his status as the top-ranked player, Djokovic’s struggles in 2024 persisted as he bowed out of the Monte Carlo Masters in the semi-finals.
The Serbian powerhouse succumbed to the 10th-ranked Norwegian in a hard-fought battle, with Ruud securing a 6-4, 1-6, 6-4 victory—his first win in six encounters against the illustrious 24-time Grand Slam champion.
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Djokovic encountered difficulties early on, surrendering two of his opening three service games as Ruud claimed the first set.
Undeterred by the setback, the 36-year-old mounted a remarkable resurgence, dominating his opponent and swiftly leveling the match at one-set apiece. However, tensions reached a boiling point in the decisive set when Djokovic’s frustrations with a spectator in the stands erupted into a heated exchange.
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Things took an ugly turn however in the deciding set when Djokovic’s frustrations with a fan in the stands boiled over.
After missing a regulation forehand, while down 3-4, he turned his attention to an individual sitting behind the baseline and unleashed an expletive spray.
“Would you shut the f*** up,” Djokovic shouted before muttering more in the direction of the fan.