‘Feeling is terrible’ - Novak Djokovic responds to ‘bad’ Lorenzo Musetti Monte Carlo Masters last-16 defeat

Novak Djokovic has issued a response to his Monte Carlo Masters round-of-16 loss to 21-year-old Italian Lorenzo Musetti. Although the defeat wasn’t “catastrophic” according to the 22-time Grand Slam champion, he threw away a one-set, 4-2 advantage as Musetti fought from behind to earn a spot in the quarter-finals. "Well, [the] feeling is terrible after playing like this,” the Serbian said.

Lorenzo Musetti fought back from a set down to beat Novak Djokovic 4-6 7-5 6-4 in the Monte Carlo Masters last 16, and the world No. 1 was unhappy with his performance.

Djokovic led after the opening set and took a 4-2 lead in the second before the Italian clawed a game back.

The next game was when the match really began to shift in the 21-year-old’s favour.

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Djokovic was involved in an altercation with umpire Aurelie Tourte over a point that went Musetti’s way, before the Italian went on to close out the set in a stunning comeback.

Hawk-Eye replays proved Djokovic was right about the call, and that Musetti’s effort had gone long, but the technology isn’t used at clay-court events.

Djokovic, not best pleased, got on with the task in hand but clearly wasn’t at his most clinical, as Musetti sealed the victory.

After the match, Djokovic said he "wasn't in the mood to speak,” but did lend a few words of congratulations for his opponent, who had earned the biggest win of his career.

"Well, [the] feeling is terrible after playing like this, honestly, but congrats to him,” Djokovic said. “He stayed tough in important moments, and that's it. That's all I can say. Good luck to him."

Djokovic went on to suggest the result was not the end of the world, but nonetheless leaves a sour taste as his wait for a record-extending 39th ATP Masters 1000 title goes on.

He said: "I don't think it's catastrophic, but my feeling is bad right now because I lost the match.

“That's all. Congrats to my opponent. I move on."

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Video credit: SNTV

Emotions were running high for his opponent - ranked 21st in the ATP rankings - as he reacted to the win of his life.

"I am struggling not to cry," Musetti said in his on-court interview. "It is 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 and I can see on the screen. I am struggling not to cry because it is a dream for me."

While Musetti prepares for a last-eight clash with countryman Jannik Sinner, Djokovic will turn his attention to the Srpska Open ATP 250 tournament in Bosnia and Herzegovina next week, before visiting Spain for the Mutua Madrid Open as he continues his preparation for Roland Garros.

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