A look at the top surprises from wild week in Monte Carlo

Rafael Nadal has made Monte Carlo his second home since making his debut in 2003 as a 16-year-old. He began his reign in 2005, winning a record 11th title last season. He came into the 2019 edition as the three-time defending champion, the No. 2 seed and the heavy favorite, but Fabio Fognini was the last man standing.

Here is a look at some of the surprises over the course of the tournament.

1

Fognini Crowned

Seeded No. 13, Fognini entered the tournament with very little momentum, having lost five opening matches in six tournaments. In his Monte Carlo opening round, he trailed 6-4, 5-1 against Andrey Rublev before charging back. He upset three seeds en route to the final: Alexander Zverev, Borna Coric and most notably, Nadal.

2

Nadal Dethroned

Nadal, who was riding a 68-14 Monte Carlo record before entering the tournament, was handed his fourth career loss to the Italian and first in Monaco since losing to Novak Djokovic in the 2015 semifinal. Fognini took him out in somewhat straightforward fashion, 6-4, 6-2.

"I probably played one of the worst matches on clay in 14 years," Nadal said. "So when that happens, you have to lose."

3

Lajovic Makes History

No. 48-ranked Dusan Lajovic became the lowest-ranked Monte Carlo finalist since 2001. Playing in his first ATP Masters 1000 semifinal against Daniil Medvedev, the Serbian found himself down 5-1 in the first set before reeling off 10 consecutive games to reach his first career ATP final and raise his ranking to a high of No. 24.

4

Djokovic Sent Home

Top-seeded Djokovic was sent packing by Medvedev in the quarterfinals. The top seed and two-time champion was playing his first quarterfinal match since winning his third consecutive Grand Slam in January, at the Australian Open. Djokovic lost in the Indian Wells round of 32 and in his Miami Opener.

5

Medvedev Breaks Through

The first-time ATP Masters 1000 semifinalist entered the tournament with a 1-11 record against Top 10 players before scoring back-to-back wins against No. 6-seeded Stefanos Tsistispas in the round of 16 and a stunning world No. 1 Djokovic.

The 23-year-old is up to a career-high ranking of No. 14.