In a surprising turn of events at the Qatar Open, Novak Djokovic faced a first-round exit after a straight-sets defeat to Italy’s Matteo Berrettini. The match concluded with a 7-6(4), 6-2 scoreline in favor of Berrettini, marking his first-ever victory over the Serbian star.
This loss is particularly notable as it represents Djokovic’s earliest tournament exit since the 2022 Monte Carlo Masters. The 37-year-old, who was aiming for his 100th ATP title, was playing his first singles match since retiring from the Australian Open semi-finals due to a hamstring injury. Despite concerns about his physical condition, Djokovic confirmed post-match that he felt no pain during the game. He candidly acknowledged Berrettini’s superior performance, stating, “I was outplayed by just a better player today… I played without pain, so there is no excuse in that.”
Berrettini, ranked world No. 35 and named the ATP’s Comeback Player of the Year in 2024, showcased exceptional skill throughout the match. He expressed his satisfaction with the victory, noting, “I worked really hard to be back here, to be back at this level… I just needed matches and matches like this.”
In the aftermath of the loss, Djokovic reflected on the challenges of maintaining peak performance as he advances in his career. He remarked, “There are more injuries. Things are not the same as 10 years ago, 15 years ago. I still try to take care of my body on a daily basis, and it’s more challenging now, no doubt.”
Looking ahead, Djokovic plans to continue competing in the doubles event in Doha, partnering with Spaniard Fernando Verdasco. The duo is set to face Finnish player Harri Heliovaara and Britain’s Henry Patten in the quarter-finals.
This unexpected defeat has sparked discussions about Djokovic’s form and future prospects, especially with the upcoming Masters 1000 tournaments in Indian Wells and Miami. Fans and analysts alike will be keenly observing how the seasoned champion adapts and responds in the face of these ch
allenges.
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