"I'm trying to wake up right now": Alejandro Tabilo in dreamland after stunning Novak Djokovic win at Rome Open
ATPSunday, 12 May 2024 at 16:47
Alejandro Tabilo was in disbelief and dreamland after his incredible win over Novak Djokovic on Sunday at the 2024 Rome Open which set up a clash with Karen Khachanov for a spot in the Quarter-Finals.
Tabilo won for the first time against a top 10 player and one of the greatest of all time at that. He didn't face a break point all match and at times brushed aside the World No.1 with relative ease. But on court, he had a more shocked demeanour about what he'd just done which has still not soaked in.
Djokovic despite his recent lack of form was still seen by many as the player to beat going into Roland Garros especially with the recent injury travails of Jannik Sinner and Carlos Alcaraz for instance. But it seems he still has a lot of work to do ahead of the French Open. While the Chilean 29th seed moves on.
"I'm just trying to soak it all in. Kind of trying to process everything. I can't believe it, I'm trying to wake up right now," said Tabilo on court.
"I was just trying to keep my nerves in. Try to keep swinging when you feel like you're close to the end. Your arms start to get a bit tighter and you start to swing shorter. I was trying not to think about it and think point by point. It's crazy, I can't believe what's happened."
Samuel GillEditor-in-Chief
Samuel Gill is the Chief Content Officer (CCO) of TennisUpToDate.com, a role he has held since 2020. He is responsible for editorial governance across the platform, including setting content standards, overseeing accuracy and consistency, and guiding long-term editorial strategy. Since joining, he has contributed more than 10,000 articles and editorial pieces across the TennisUpToDate network, playing a central role in the daily operation and development of the site.
Based in Leicester, Samuel has a broad background in tennis media. In his current role, he works closely with editors and writers to ensure coverage meets clear journalistic standards, with particular attention to verification, consistency, and timely updates when new information becomes available.
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