MONACO • Defending champion Novak Djokovic was stunned 6-4, 2-6, 6-4 by Czech Jiri Vesely, the world No. 55, in yesterday's second round of the Monte Carlo Masters.

Djokovic, winner of two of the last three editions in the Monaco principality and the most dominant player in the ATP rankings over the past two seasons, was unable to mount a recovery against an opponent who got the upper hand by winning the opening set.

The Serb came to the court with 22 consecutive wins in Masters 1000 play, with his last defeat coming in August in Cincinnati against Roger Federer in the final.

The world No. 1 had won his last 14 matches and holds four titles already in 2016, including the US Masters double from Indian Wells and Miami last month.

The defeat by Vesely is also Djokovic's first exit as early as the second round of a tournament since the Madrid Masters in 2013.

AGENCE FRANCE-PRESSE