Novak Djokovic says he’s “not having an awesome season in any respect” after shedding to Casper Ruud within the semi-finals of the Monte Carlo Masters.
The world primary’s 6-4 1-6 6-4 loss to Norway’s Ruud follows a third-round exit at Indian Wells and a semi-final loss on the Australian Open.
The 36-year-old Serb continues to be trying to find his first title of the yr.
“Not having a title is, in comparison with the final 15 years, not an awesome season in any respect,” he mentioned.
“There are positives to remove for certain, however I am used to a very excessive normal when it comes to expectations and outcomes.”
Djokovic, who has an 11-4 document this yr, additionally misplaced whereas enjoying for Serbia within the quarter-finals of the United Cup in January.
He’ll hope to win a record-extending twenty fifth Grand Slam title at subsequent month’s French Open.
In opposition to Ruud in Monte Carlo he double-faulted on Ruud’s match level to verify the end result and finish a nail-biting deciding set.
World quantity 10 Ruud will tackle Stefanos Tsitsipas within the remaining, after the Greek participant beat Jannik Sinner 6-4 3-6 6-4 earlier in Monaco.
Ruud cruised to victory within the opening set, making certain Djokovic dropped his first set of the match, however the prime seed fought again nicely.
The third set swung backwards and forwards however having obtained himself again into the sport on serve at 5-4 down, Djokovic double-faulted handy Ruud victory.