Novak Djokovic says he is “not having a great season at all” after losing to Casper Ruud in the semi-finals of the Monte Carlo Masters.
The world number one’s 6-4 1-6 6-4 loss to Norway’s Ruud follows a third-round exit at Indian Wells and a semi-final loss at the Australian Open.
The 36-year-old Serb is still searching for his first title of the year.
“Not having a title is, compared to the last 15 years, not a great season at all,” he said.
“There are positives to take away for sure, but I’m used to a really high standard in terms of expectations and results.”
Djokovic, who has an 11-4 record this year, also lost while playing for Serbia in the quarter-finals of the United Cup in January.
He will hope to win a record-extending 25th Grand Slam title at next month’s French Open.
Against Ruud in Monte Carlo he double-faulted on Ruud’s match point to confirm the result and end a nail-biting deciding set.
World number 10 Ruud will take on Stefanos Tsitsipas in the final, after the Greek player beat Jannik Sinner 6-4 3-6 6-4 earlier in Monaco.