Novak Djokovic’s shock loss to Alejandro Tabilo has sparked fresh debate about his future in tennis after a shock performance in a 6-2 6-3 loss to Chile’s Alejandro Tabilo in Rome.

The underdog needed just 67 minutes to defeat Djokovic, who claimed after the match that he felt unsafe on the court two days after being accidentally hit in the head by a bottle after the first match against Corentin Mute.

“I think you saw it very clearly on the video,” said Djokovic after the defeat to Tabil.

“It was a very unfortunate, unfortunate situation for me. There was an accident when that guy leaned over the fence and the bottle fell out of his backpack and landed directly on my head.

“Obviously it was unexpected. I didn’t even look up. Then I felt a very strong blow to my head. That, yes, really influenced me a lot. Half an hour passed, an hour of nausea, dizziness, blood, many different things.

“I managed to sleep well. I had headaches. The next day it was pretty good, so I thought it was okay. Maybe it’s okay. Maybe not.

“I mean, the way I felt on the court today was completely like another player stepping into my shoes. Just no rhythm, no tempo, no balance on any shot.

“It’s a bit worrying. I haven’t done any scans or tests. Right now, I feel like I should do it, so I’ll do it and see. Let’s see what happens.”

While the bottle incident may have played a role in Djokovic’s latest disappointing performance, the manner in which he lost will inevitably spark debate about his motivation to continue in the sport.

His now former coach Goran Ivanišević confirmed that Djokovic struggled with motivation after so many victories in his great career, and the 24-time Grand Slam champion admits that he is no longer driven by anything other than Grand Slam tournaments.

That inspired Tennis Channel pundit Mark Petchei to float the idea that Djokovic could retire after this year’s Olympics.

An Olympic gold medal is the final prize missing from Djokovic’s collection of accolades and he has made success at the Summer Games in Paris a priority.

“Has anyone else received a huge effort at the Olympic Games in Paris for what Novak does not have, and then Au Revoir in tennis? wrote former coach Andy Murray Petča on Ks.

“I’m starting to get Sampras 2002 vibes. We still have him in the favorite for RG and Wimbledon, but to be this big for so long takes an incredible sacrifice.

Petchei was referring to the final days of Pete Sampras’ reign as the best player in men’s tennis, his ambition to continue in the sport waning after he won his 13th Grand Slam title in 2000 at Wimbledon, surpassing what was then Roy Emerson. all-time record for major tournament wins.

Of course, Roger Federer, Rafael Nadal and Djokovic have passed that mark in recent years as they have all won 20 Grand Slams or more, and the three icons of this tennis era are also recognized as the greatest trio to ever play the game.

Djokovic has achieved everything in the sport and the question that may be asked is whether he needs more if he does achieve his dream of winning Olympic singles gold later this year.

Time will tell if Petci’s question becomes a reality, but his comparison to the end of the Sampras era is hard to dispute.