Novak Djokovic knocked out of the Monte Carlo Masters by Dan Evans

It was the upset of the year as British World No.33 Dan Evans knocked out two-time Monte Carlo champion and the World No.1 Novak Djokovic in straight sets.

In a match full of break points, Dan Evans held his nerve to defeat the Serbian 6-4,7-5. Also, this was the first meeting between the duo and hence the Briton holds a 100% record against the World No.1.

In a match lasting two hours and nine minutes, Evans showed a defensive masterclass against a sloppy Djokovic. He used his slice to great effect and frustrated Djokovic. He used minimum topspin and slowed the game massively to Nole’s misery. He broke Djokovic 3 times in the first set before eventually holding serve to clinch the first set.

The world no.1 started the second set on fire, breaking Evans first up and taking a 3-0 lead. But Evans fought his way back into the match breaking Djokovic’s serve multiple times. Djokovic never seemed to find his song and struggled throughout the match. After breaking Djokovic’s serve to take a 6-5 lead, Evans served for the match and caused a massive upset.

It hasn’t sunk in yet: Dan Evans

This was Evans’ biggest win of his career. Earlier in Doha, he has come very close in defeating Roger Federer but couldn’t hold his nerve.

“It hasn’t sunk in yet,” Evans said in his post-match interview. “I couldn’t quite believe the last ball went over the net. It nearly didn’t. I was pleased, regardless, with how I was playing coming into the match.”

“I felt good. You can never be confident coming into such a big match like that against Novak. It is clearly a big win and I am delighted that I got through, especially being a break down and [having had] little difficulties in the first set. It was really pleasing and I am delighted.”

He will play David Goffin in the Quarter-Finals, who upset 5th seed Alexander Zverev in straight sets.

Also read: ‘I don’t agree with everything my father says but I stand by him,’ says Novak Djokovic