Matteo Berrettini Pulls Off Upset Victory Over Novak Djokovic at Qatar Open
Novak Djokovic’s return to the tennis court was abruptly ended on Tuesday when he fell 7-6 (7/4), 6-2 to Matteo Berrettini in the second round of the Qatar Open.
Djokovic, who was the third seed and had a first-round bye, was competing in his first match since withdrawing due to injury in the semi-finals of the Australian Open in January. He admitted that while he was not at full fitness, it wasn’t a matter of physical condition.
“I was outplayed by just a better player today,” he said.
It marked only Berrettini’s second victory of the year and his first win over a top-10 player since 2023. Additionally, it was the Italian’s first triumph over Djokovic, having lost to him in the Wimbledon final and the Roland Garros quarterfinals in 2021.
“Something I’ve been looking to do for a long time. I’ve played against him in the most important tournaments on tour,” the 28-year-old Italian said on court after the victory.
Berrettini has faced challenges with injuries in the past 18 months but successfully won three tournaments after returning to competition last year.
The opening set remained on serve, but Berrettini won the tiebreak by claiming two points off Djokovic’s serve. He broke Djokovic’s serve to love in the second game’s second set.
Djokovic had previously broken Berrettini’s serve 27 times across their four past meetings. Still, the Italian remained steady on serve until the final game, where he eventually closed out the match on his second match point.
Djokovic said that Andy Murray had consented to continue as his coach “indefinitely,” although he noted that he did not intend to change his playing style completely.
“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. I still try to do my very best, given the circumstances.” The Serbian remarked.
