In the first round of the 2025 Qatar Open, Novak Djokovic faced Matteo Berrettini and lost after 2 sets with a score of 7-6(4), 6-2.
Berrettini was not seeded in the ATP 500 and has just returned shortly after a 6-month injury break. He is currently ranked 35th in the world.
This is the Italian athlete's first victory over a top 10 player since January 2023. He will face Dutch player Tallon Griekspoor in round 2.
Berrettini only needed more than an hour and a half to defeat the 24-time Grand Slam champion, handing the ball 1 win with up to 85%, saving 3 break points in the tie-break in the first set.
The Serbian tennis player has just recovered from a hamstring injury. But he did not consider it an excuse for the defeat against Berrettini.
I dont have any pain or discomfort in my legs. I was defeated by a better player today," Djokovic shared after the match.
I didnt get to the level I wanted, and maybe I still couldnt move comfortably, but I played without any pain, theres no excuse for that.
Djokovic praised and congratulated his opponent:
"I think he played a classy game, to be honest, tactically, and handled the ball very well. The victory is very deserved for Berrettini".
Djokovic is expected to continue his challenge at the ATP Masters 1000 event at Indian Wells in early March. The world No. 7 has won the championship 5 times in California. He will continue his journey to seek his 100th career title in tournaments in the US.
