It was Djokovic’s first match since February and solely his fourth in 2022.
The 34-year-old Serbian star had been pressured to overlook the Australian Open and lots of the ATP Tour’s largest tournaments this 12 months attributable to his Covid-19 vaccination standing.
Djokovic, a two-time champion at Monte Carlo, misplaced to the 22- year-old Spaniard in three units, 6-3, 6-7 (5), 6-1.
In February, Djokovic misplaced his world No. 1 spot to Daniil Medvedev, however the 20-time grand slam champion returned to the highest of the rankings three weeks later after Medvedev’s second-round loss to Gael Monfils at Indian Wells.
“You must take care of all the pieces that most likely has been dormant inside and is perhaps ready to return out,” Djokovic stated as he mirrored on the Australian Open debacle.
“I am making an attempt to take care of it every day or weekly foundation, no matter. If one thing surfaces, I acknowledge it, however I transfer on.
“It isn’t one thing that’s bothering me every day so to say, I do not really feel prefer it has left big scars on me that I am unable to coach or take part in tournaments or reside my life, removed from that.
“Nevertheless it has undoubtedly been a really difficult few months and one thing I’ve by no means skilled earlier than. So I am going to attempt to use that as a gas for what’s arising.”
