The early elimination of the Serbian Novak Djokovic in the Monte Carlo Masters 1000 surprised the tennis world, not only because of Nole's history but also because of his present, after reaching the final in Miami.

Based on his fine returning grinding down the Czech, de Minaur’s win set up the eighth seed with a round-of-16 date against ninth seed Daniil Medvedev, who came through a testing encounter with Frenchman Alexandre Muller 7-6 (8-6) 5-7 6-2.

Alejandro Tabilo, who handed the 24-time Grand Slam champion a surprising loss at the Italian Open last year, beat Djokovic 6-3, 6-4 in the second round of the Monte Carlo Masters. Back on clay, Djokovic said afterward he didn't have high expectations.