Novak Djokovic knew he would have to play his finest to defeat Matteo Berrettini in a difficult first-round conflict on the ATP 500 occasion in Doha. The 24-time Main winner didn’t play badly, however his rival outplayed him and scored a 7-6, 6-2 victory in an hour and 33 minutes.
Thus, Berrettini ousted Djokovic for the primary time in 5 encounters. Novak praised his rival whereas avoiding excuses, admitting he felt bodily positive. The veteran performed his first match since retiring within the Australian Open semi-final as a result of a hamstring harm.
Nevertheless, the Serb didn’t wish to take something away from the Italian. He emphasised Matteo’s abilities and dedication and accepted the defeat with grace.
Matteo Berrettini hits an INCREDIBLE shot towards Djokovic in Doha.
Backwards dealing with spinning passing shot?
Not one thing you see day by day.
On FIRE. 🇮🇹🔨🔥
— The Tennis Letter (@TheTennisLetter) February 18, 2025
The best hard-court participant of all time skilled his earliest loss on his beloved floor since Miami 2018! Novak fought effectively within the opener, reaching a tie break however dropping it 7-4. Hungry for high-profile wins after quite a few setbacks, Berrettini gained an enormous enhance.
Novak Djokovic, Doha 2025© Stream screenshot
The Italian broke the Serb two occasions within the second set and offered his first victory over the legend in 5 encounters. Matteo claimed ten factors greater than Novak and made the distinction behind the second serve. The lower-ranked participant misplaced 15 factors in his video games.
He saved all three break factors in the one troubled sport and stole Djokovic’s serve two occasions within the second set to emerge on the prime in model. Novak landed 21 winners and 18 unforced errors. It will have been sufficient to beat another person, however not Matteo.
Berrettini fired 33 direct factors and 23 errors, hitting with full energy and going for his pictures. The Italian landed 14 service winners greater than the Serb, making the distinction in that phase and notching his first top-10 victory in over two years.
Matteo Berrettini, Doha 2025© Stream screenshot
“I did not feel any pain or discomfort. A better rival outplayed me. I could not reach my desired level, and I still struggle to move the way I want following an injury. However, I played without pain, and there are no excuses. Matteo was the better player.
He played a masterclass match tactically and served very well. He completely deserved to beat me tonight,” Novak Djokovic mentioned.
