Novak Djokovic Upset at Qatar Open as He Suffers Unwanted Seven-Year First
In a surprising turn of events at the 2025 Qatar Open, world-renowned tennis champion Novak Djokovic faced a first-round defeat against Italy’s Matteo Berrettini. The match concluded with Berrettini securing a 7-6(4), 6-2 victory, marking his first-ever win over Djokovic and his first triumph against a top-10 opponent since January 2023.
This loss is particularly notable for Djokovic, as it represents his earliest exit from a tournament since the 2022 Monte Carlo Masters. The 37-year-old Serbian, who has amassed 24 Grand Slam titles and was aiming for his 100th ATP title, acknowledged Berrettini’s superior performance, stating, “I was outplayed by just a better player today.”
Djokovic’s return to singles play followed a hamstring injury sustained in January. Despite the setback, he reported no pain during the match but admitted to not being at his optimal performance level. In contrast, Berrettini, currently ranked world No. 35, showcased exceptional skill, particularly with his serve, and will advance to face Tallon Griekspoor in the next round.
In addition to his singles campaign, Djokovic is participating in the doubles event alongside Fernando Verdasco. The duo delivered a strong performance, defeating Alexander Bublik and Karen Khachanov in just 50 minutes, allowing Verdasco to postpone his planned retirement.
This unexpected early exit from the Qatar Open serves as a reminder of the unpredictable nature of sports and highlights the rising competition in professional tennis.
