Novak Djokovic suffered a shock second round defeat ©Getty Images

World number one Novak Djokovic’s return to the Association of Tennis Professionals (ATP) Tour ended in a shock defeat to Spain’s Alejandro Davidovich Fokina at the Monte Carlo Masters.

Djokovic was competing in just his fourth match of the year, with his COVID-19 vaccination status having ruled him out of several events.

The Serbian had hoped to compete at the Australian Open but was deported due to being unvaccinated, while vaccine requirements ruled him out of both the Miami Open and Indian Wells Masters.

His lack of match practice appeared to take its toll against Davidovich Fokina, with the Spaniard breaking Djokovic nine times during a three-set contest on the Court Rainier III.

Davidovich Fokina earned a 6-3, 6-7, 6-1 victory to reach the third round at the ATP Masters 1000 event.

The result saw Djokovic exit a tournament in his opening match for the first time since 2018.

Davidovich Fokina will face the winner of the second round match between Belgium’s David Goffin and Britain’s Dan Evans.

Evans was a 6-0, 7-6 winner in the first round against France’s Benjamin Bonzi today.

Defending champion Stefanos Tsitsipas reached the third round ©Getty Images
Defending champion Stefanos Tsitsipas reached the third round ©Getty Images

Only three second round matches were held today, with the remaining first round contests taking place.

World number five Stefanos Tsitsipas began his title defence with a comfortable win over Italy’s Fabio Fognini.

The Greek star secured a 6-3, 6-0 victory.

Tsitsipas awaits the winner of the match between Italy’s Lorenzo Sonego and Laslo Dere of Serbia in the third round.

Bulgaria’s Grigor Dimitrov reached the third round after coming from a set down to beat Serbia’s Dusan Lajovic.