Matteo Berrettini on outplaying Novak Djokovic: 'A double pleasure for me'

After quite a few setbacks, Matteo Berrettini remains to be able to difficult the world’s greatest gamers. The Italian displayed that on the ATP 500 occasion in Doha following a 7-6, 6-2 victory over the 24-time Main winner, Novak Djokovic.

Matteo and Novak met for the fifth time, and the lower-ranked participant ousted the legend for the primary time in 5 encounters. Berrettini outplayed Djokovic in an hour and 33 minutes within the first spherical following a rock-solid show.

The Serb performed his first match since retiring within the Australian Open semi-final on account of a hamstring harm. Nevertheless, he didn’t use that setback as an excuse, praising the Italian and his excessive degree.

Matteo Berrettini’s response after beating Novak Djokovic in Doha

Have a look at that smile

He lets out an enormous roar

His first-ever win over Novak

After years of battling accidents… Matteo is again with extra ardour, starvation, & coronary heart than ever

🇮🇹🥹

pic.twitter.com/xrjjqTv0fF

— The Tennis Letter (@TheTennisLetter) February 18, 2025

Novak fought effectively within the opener earlier than fading from the courtroom within the second set, experiencing his earliest hard-court defeat since Miami 2018. Matteo clinched ten factors extra and overpowered his rival behind the second serve.

Novak Djokovic & Matteo Berrettini, Doha 2025© Stream screenshot

The Italian gave away 15 factors behind the preliminary shot and denied all three break factors in a single troubled service sport. Berrettini prevailed within the first set and stole the rival’s serve two instances in set quantity two to maneuver excessive in fashion.

Djokovic hit 21 winners and 18 unforced errors, which was not sufficient to beat a high-profile rival. Matteo took cost and completed the duel with 33 winners and 23 errors. He went for his pictures and landed 14 service winners greater than the Serb.

He cast the distinction in that phase and celebrated his first top-10 victory in over two years.

“Victory over Novak was a big moment. I lost to him on the notable stage, including the Wimbledon final, thinking about having a good chance if someone else was across the net. At the same time, I always felt proud of facing him, Rafa and Roger.

I will always cherish those memories and tell my kids about those matches. Beating Novak for the first time felt great, especially after overplaying him, which is always difficult. In some way, it was a double pride,” Matteo Berrettini stated.