Djokovic left searching for answers after collapsing to shock defeat

A resigned Novak Djokovic was at a loss to explain the shocking ending to his French Open title defence.

Twelve months after becoming the first man in 47 years to hold all four grand slam titles, Djokovic exited Roland Garros with a 7-6 (7/5), 6-3, 6-0 loss to Dominic Thiem in the quarter-finals.

Most stunning was the manner of his collapse in the third set. Djokovic won just eight points and appeared to give up.

Eurosport commentator John Mcenroe accused Djokovic of tanking, adding: “It’s almost as if you can’t believe what you’re watching, and in a match of this magnitude.”

It was the first time Djokovic has lost a set 6-0 at a grand slam since 2005 and means he will drop out of the world’s top two for the first time in six years.

The 30-year-old said: “I don’t expect myself to play as bad as I played in the third. I don’t visualise that ever.

“It was decided I think in the first set. I tried. I lost that crucial break in the beginning of the second, and he started serving better, backing it up with the first shot. He was definitely the better player on the court.

“It was not there for me today, especially in the second part of the match. I was just unable to hit the ball well