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.
View this post on Instagram
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.
View this post on Instagram
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.
