Novak Djokovic suffered a shock defeat in the third round of the Internazionali BNL d’Italia on Sunday, losing to Alejandro Tabilo, 6-2, 6-3.

He struggled to find any rhythm against Tabilo on Sunday, with the Chilean needing just 67 minutes to win the third-round match.

The 26-year-old was dominant throughout, breaking Djokovic’s serve four times and not conceding a single break point.

“It’s incredible. I came on court just looking around and soaking it all in, trying to process everything. I’m trying to wake up right now,” said Tabilo.

Novak Djokovic admitted that the medical effects of being struck in the head by a bottle played a role in his third round loss in the Italian Open on Sunday and said he felt like a “different player” on court.

A water bottle fell out of a fan’s bag and struck Djokovic on the head immediately after his 6-3 6-1 win over Corentin Moutet in the second round and the 36-year-old believes the incident may have played a part in his off-colour showing.

“The way I felt on the court today was just completely like a different player entered into my shoes.

“Just no rhythm, no tempo, no balance whatsoever on any shot. It’s a bit concerning.”

Djokovic followed Rafael Nadal to an early exit after the record 10-time Rome champion lost his third-round match to Hubert Hurkacz 6-1, 6-3 on Saturday.

It means six-time champion Djokovic will fail to reach at least the quarter-finals in Rome for the first time since 2006.

Djokovic is still without a title this year – the first time he’s reached May without a trophy since 2018, when he was returning from a right elbow injury.

The 36-year-old, who is yet to reach a final in 2024, has played just six matches on clay this year as he prepares for the defence of his French Open title.

The tournament at Roland Garros begins on 26 May.