Novak Djokovic's Early Exit in Monte-Carlo Not a Concern Says Andy Roddick
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Andy Roddick was not surprised by Novak Djokovic's defeat at the 2025 Monte-Carlo Masters and does not think those types of losses are what defines his season.
Djokovic fell in straight sets to Alejandro Tabilo in the round of 64 in Monte-Carlo after a lackluster performance. The Chilean was superior throughout and did not even have to play his best tennis for long periods of the match.
Losing in the early rounds at the Monte-Carlo Masters is not new to Djokovic. Reaching last year's semifinal was his best effort since winning the 2015 title, showing that he often starts the clay court swing slowly.
Speaking to The Tennis Channel, Roddick argued that Djokovic's early defeat should be viewed as normal and that the Serbian probably viewed the tournament as practice since he often trains in Monte-Carlo anyway.
"It should be viewed as normal. I don’t think that the base level for Novak for a successful year is two majors anymore. I think the question is, ‘can I build up my season? Can I peak for the majors, right? Can I be as good once as I ever was?’ Right? I think that matters a little bit more."
"I don’t know if we would have seen Novak here in this tournament, or for the last couple of years frankly, if he didn’t live up the street, right? I think this is almost paid practice for him."
Djokovic has lost both his meetings with Tabilo. While Roddick acknowledges the matchup might be tough for him, the American said he would still back Djokovic at the French Open ahead of Tabilo.
"He’s going to reset. Next Monday, he’s still going to be in Monte Carlo training, to get ready for the clay-court season, so I don’t put a ton of stock in this. Maybe there’s a little bit of a matchup issue, but if Novak gets a good run of three or four weeks into the French Open, even having lost to Tabilo twice, I know who I’d be taking in this matchup three out of five sets."
Djokovic's next tournament will be the 2025 Madrid Open. He has over a week to prepare for that event and could be in much better shape after taking more time on the practice courts to adjust to clay.
The 24-time Grand Slam champion might have felt underprepared after reaching the 2025 Miami Open final. At nearly 38 years old, Djokovic may need more time to rest, recover, and prepare than before.
Losing to Tabilo certainly does not mean Djokovic cannot win a fourth French Open title. As Roddick said, the tennis legend is most interested in peaking at the four Grand Slams and trying to be at his best for them.
The task of challenging Carlos Alcaraz and Jannik Sinner, who will return from his suspension next month, on the most significant stages, is not easy for someone of Djokovic's age. He has done well to compete with them during the last few years.
Defending champion Alcaraz will be the favorite to win the 2025 French Open, but many players will hope to claim glory in Paris.
