Tennis

Novak Djokovic's reign at the Internazionali BNL d'Italia came to an abrupt end on Sunday as he suffered a stunning 6-2, 6-3 defeat to Alejandro Tabilo in the third round. The world No. 1, who was playing his first match since sustaining a bizarre head injury on Friday, was outplayed by the No. 29 seed in just over an hour.Djokovic's participation in the tournament was initially in doubt after he was hit by a falling water bottle while signing autographs. However, he appeared to have recovered from the incident and even practiced on Saturday wearing a bicycle helmet.But against Tabilo, Djokovic looked a step slow and struggled to keep up with the Chilean's aggressive play. Tabilo, who is ranked No. 32 in the world, broke Djokovic's serve twice in the first set and never looked back.The second set followed a similar pattern, with Tabilo breaking Djokovic's serve early and holding on to his advantage. Djokovic had a chance to break back in the sixth game, but Tabilo responded with some strong serving and forehands to hold on.Djokovic saved two match points in the eighth game, but Tabilo eventually sealed the victory with a forehand winner. The crowd at the Campo Centrale sat in stunned silence as Djokovic's 11-match winning streak at the tournament came to an end.For Tabilo, it was the biggest win of his career and his first victory over a Top 5 player. The Chilean will now face Stefanos Tsitsipas in the quarterfinals.Djokovic's defeat raises questions about his form and fitness ahead of the French Open, which begins on May 22. The Serbian has not won a Grand Slam title since Wimbledon in 2021 and has struggled with injuries and poor form in recent months.

Rafael Nadal's participation in the upcoming French Open remains uncertain despite his second-round elimination at the Rome Masters. The 22-time Grand Slam champion had previously stated that he would only compete in Paris if he felt competitive, and his recent performance has raised doubts about his readiness.Nadal's defeat to Hubert Hurkacz in straight sets was a disappointing setback, especially considering his impressive run to the last 16 in Madrid. The Spaniard admitted that his physical issues are still a concern, but he is leaning towards playing at Roland Garros."The decision is not clear in my mind today," Nadal said. "But if I have to say what's my feeling, I am going to say to be in Roland Garros and try my best. Physically I have some issues, but not probably yet enough to say I'm not playing in the most important event of my tennis career."Nadal's dominance on clay has been unparalleled, but his recent struggles have raised questions about his ability to compete at the highest level. Hurkacz's victory over him was a testament to the changing landscape of the sport, with younger players emerging as serious challengers.Meanwhile, Novak Djokovic has dismissed concerns about his fitness after being hit by a water bottle during a fan signing session. The world number one wore a cycling helmet to practice, joking that he was "prepared" for any further incidents.In the women's tournament, Iga Swiatek, Naomi Osaka, and Coco Gauff have all advanced to the last 16. Swiatek, the world number one, is aiming for her third Rome title, while Osaka is making a strong comeback after taking a break to have her first child.

Tennis: Moutet's Ringing Phone Interrupts Djokovic Clash in RomeIn a bizarre incident at the Internazionali BNL d'Italia on Friday, Corentin Moutet's ringing phone interrupted his second-round match against world No. 1 Novak Djokovic.With the score poised at deuce in the first game of the second set, play was halted as the crowd at Campo Centrale searched for the source of the sound. Moutet, the 25-year-old lucky loser, quickly realized it was his phone and sprinted to his bench to silence it.The incident drew laughter from the crowd, Djokovic, and umpire Carlos Bernardes. Moutet even pretended to answer the phone before silencing it, eliciting more amusement from the fans.Djokovic took the interruption in stride, winning five straight games to take the first set. He lost just one game in the second set, securing a 6-3, 6-1 victory."Corentin is a very talented player, has great hands and is very unpredictable," Djokovic said after the match. "You don't know what comes up next, and I had to stay focused, which I did."Ringing phones are not uncommon at tennis events, but it is rare for players to be the source of the interruption. However, this is not the first time a French player has experienced such an incident. Twelve years ago, Alizé Cornet's phone rang as she faced match point against Caroline Wozniacki in Bastad, Sweden. Earlier this year, Harold Mayot's phone went off during his match with Cameron Norrie in Barcelona.The lighthearted moment was followed by a more concerning incident for Djokovic. As he left the court after the match, he was struck in the head by a water bottle while signing autographs. He received medical attention and was able to leave the court on his own.

Novak Djokovic Struck by Falling Water Bottle at Rome MastersWorld No. 1 Novak Djokovic's opening-round victory at the Internazionali BNL d'Italia took a bizarre and concerning turn when he was struck by a falling water bottle while exiting the court.After defeating Corentin Moutet 6-3, 6-1, Djokovic was signing autographs for fans when the incident occurred. A water bottle, believed to be of the heavier, stainless steel variety, plummeted from the stands and struck Djokovic in the head.The impact caused Djokovic to recoil to the ground in pain. Security personnel immediately inspected the bottle and escorted the 24-time Grand Slam champion off Campo Centrale.A fan captured the moment on camera and uploaded it to social media. The footage shows Djokovic signing autographs when the bottle suddenly appears and strikes him.The extent of Djokovic's injuries is unclear. He is scheduled to face No. 29 seed Alejandro Tabilo in the third round. However, the incident has raised concerns about his ability to continue in the tournament.Djokovic has a history of head injuries. In 2017, he withdrew from the Wimbledon Championships due to a shoulder injury that was later revealed to be a head injury.The incident has also sparked questions about security at the Rome Masters. Fans are allowed to bring water bottles into the stadium, but they are supposed to be sealed. It is unclear how the bottle that struck Djokovic was able to enter the stadium unsealed.The tournament organizers have released a statement expressing their concern and stating that they are investigating the incident.

Novak Djokovic, the world's top-ranked tennis player, has achieved another remarkable milestone in his illustrious career. With a dominant 6-3, 6-1 victory over Corentin Moutet in his opening match at the Rome Masters on Friday, Djokovic secured his 1,099th tour-level win. This triumph places him just one win away from becoming the third man in the Open Era to reach the exclusive club of 1,100 career victories, joining tennis legends Jimmy Connors and Roger Federer.Djokovic's victory in Rome not only marked a significant milestone but also extended his impressive winning streak against French opponents to 25 consecutive matches. The 24-time Grand Slam champion has not lost to a Frenchman since his defeat to Benoit Paire in Miami in 2018.Djokovic's dominance over French players is a testament to his exceptional skills and tactical prowess. He has consistently outplayed his French opponents, showcasing his versatility and ability to adapt to different playing styles.The Serbian star's pursuit of 1,100 career wins is a testament to his longevity and unwavering commitment to the sport. He has maintained a remarkable level of consistency throughout his career, winning multiple Grand Slams and Masters titles.As Djokovic prepares for his next match in Rome, he will be aiming to secure his 1,100th tour-level victory and cement his place among the greatest tennis players of all time. His pursuit of this milestone is sure to captivate tennis fans worldwide and further solidify his legacy as one of the most dominant players in the history of the sport.

Novak Djokovic and Venus Williams, two legendary tennis icons, have joined forces with Lacoste for a powerful advertising campaign that celebrates the brand's iconic crocodile symbol and the indomitable spirit of its ambassadors.The "Play Big" campaign features Djokovic and Williams posing with a colossal 26-foot activation of the Lacoste crocodile, constructed from tennis materials. Williams playfully lunges into the crocodile's open mouth, while Djokovic leans casually against its maw, showcasing their unwavering confidence and determination.Djokovic, the current ATP No. 1, embodies the brand's values of calmness, power, and fearlessness. His relaxed demeanor mirrors his unparalleled dominance on the court. Williams, known for her unwavering grace and commitment to excellence, symbolizes the power of two iconic forces meeting in a larger-than-life encounter.Djokovic has been a Lacoste brand ambassador since 2017, while Williams joined the family in 2022. The campaign also features four other ambassadors: French actor Pierre Niney, South Korean singer and model Jeon So-mi, actor Ahn Hyo Seop, and Chinese actor, singer, and dancer Wang Yibo.In an interview with Harper's Bazaar, Williams acknowledged the resurgence of the "tennis-core" trend, thanks in part to the Hollywood blockbuster Challengers and its star Zendaya. She emphasized that tennis has always been at the intersection of sports and fashion, with Lacoste being a pioneer in elevating sports-chic looks.Djokovic, on the other hand, finds inspiration in the real-life behavior of the crocodile. "When I see a crocodile, it reminds me of René Lacoste, what he represents for our sport, what he represents for fashion," he said. "But it also reminds me of the fierce predator animal in the wild, and when I'm on the court, I have to turn into this almost predator-like mentality."The "Play Big" campaign is a testament to Lacoste's enduring legacy in the world of fashion and sports. It celebrates the audacity, unlimited creativity, and confidence that are the very essence of the brand, embodied by its iconic ambassadors.

Novak Djokovic, the world's top-ranked tennis player, has adopted a strategic approach to the 2024 season, prioritizing preparation for Grand Slams and the Olympics over early tournament success. Despite playing only three tournaments so far, Djokovic is confident in his plan and eager to perform well at the Internazionali BNL d'Italia in Rome.Djokovic's absence from the Mutua Madrid Open was a deliberate choice, as he focused on training and recovery. This approach aligns with his goal of peaking at the most significant events on the calendar. The six-time Rome champion has enjoyed success at the Foro Italico in the past, and he is determined to continue that trend.While Djokovic has not won a title in the first four months of the season, he has made adjustments to his team, rehiring longtime fitness coach Gebhard Gritsch. The Serb believes that this change will enhance his performance on the court.Djokovic's clay-court campaign began with a promising semifinal appearance at the Rolex Monte-Carlo Masters. He is now the freshest of his main rivals at Roland Garros, as Jannik Sinner and Carlos Alcaraz have withdrawn from Rome due to injuries.Despite the absence of some top players, Djokovic faces a challenging draw in Rome. He is set to face Grigor Dimitrov or Holger Rune in his first match, and could potentially meet Casper Ruud in the quarterfinals.Djokovic is confident in his preparation and believes that the training sessions with top-ranked opponents will help him build momentum. He is eager to kickstart his tournament run and continue his pursuit of Grand Slam glory.

Novak Djokovic's controversial deportation from Australia in 2022 over his COVID-19 vaccination status sparked global outrage and raised questions about the fairness of pandemic restrictions. The Serbian tennis star, a vocal vaccine skeptic, was detained upon arrival in Melbourne to compete in the Australian Open. His visa was revoked for failing to meet the country's strict pandemic entry requirements.The incident ignited a political firestorm, with Serbian President Aleksandar Vucic accusing Australia of conducting a "political witch hunt" against Djokovic. Fans in Belgrade rallied in support of the embattled star, while critics condemned his anti-vaccine stance.Amidst the controversy, former England cricket great Kevin Pietersen weighed in on the matter, calling for an apology to Djokovic in light of recent revelations about the AstraZeneca COVID-19 vaccine. Pietersen suggested that Djokovic's skepticism may have been justified, given the vaccine's potential side effects.Meanwhile, AstraZeneca announced a global withdrawal of its COVID-19 vaccine, citing commercial reasons and the availability of updated vaccines. The company admitted that the vaccine could cause rare but serious side effects, including Thrombosis with Thrombocytopenia Syndrome (TTS).The withdrawal of the AstraZeneca vaccine has raised concerns about the safety and efficacy of COVID-19 vaccines. It also highlights the ongoing debate surrounding vaccine mandates and the rights of individuals to make informed decisions about their health.

The Internazionali BNL d'Italia, the final Masters 1000 event before the French Open, kicks off this week with a slightly depleted field. While Novak Djokovic and Rafael Nadal remain as top contenders, the absence of Carlos Alcaraz and Jannik Sinner has opened up the tournament for potential upsets.Djokovic, a six-time champion in Rome, enters as the overwhelming favorite at +190 odds. Despite a recent loss to Casper Ruud in Monte Carlo, the Serbian legend has a proven track record of success on clay and will be eager to regain his form.Ruud, who defeated Djokovic in Monte Carlo, is another strong contender at 11-1 odds. The Norwegian has enjoyed a stellar season, winning 79.5% of his matches and holding at a career-high 87.1%. His impressive clay-court record (135-48) makes him a formidable opponent.Alexander Zverev, at 13-1 odds, has a favorable draw and a chance to bounce back from a disappointing performance in Madrid. His clay-court game and strong serve make him a threat to any opponent.Rafael Nadal, the 11-time champion in Rome, faces an uphill battle at 15-1 odds. While he has won three matches in Madrid, his recent performances have raised concerns about his form. His serve has been a particular weakness, and he will need to improve significantly to challenge for the title.Other players to watch include Stefanos Tsitsipas (10-1), Daniil Medvedev (16-1), Andrey Rublev (18-1), Holger Rune (23-1), Hubert Hurkacz (42-1), and Taylor Fritz (42-1).The conditions in Rome are typically slower and higher bouncing than other clay-court events, mirroring the conditions at Roland Garros. However, the tournament lacks the massive show courts of Paris, providing a slightly different atmosphere.With the absence of Alcaraz and Sinner, the Internazionali BNL d'Italia presents an intriguing opportunity for players to make a statement and gain momentum heading into the French Open.