Novak Djokovic, the 24-time Grand Slam champion, suffered a shocking defeat in the first round of the Madrid Open, losing in straight sets to Matteo Arnaldi. This marks Djokovic’s third consecutive loss, following his defeat in the Miami final and his early exit from the Monte Carlo Masters. The loss casts a shadow over his preparations for the upcoming French Open.
The match saw Djokovic struggle with his serve, committing 32 unforced errors compared to Arnaldi’s 18. Arnaldi, ranked 44th in the world, played a near-flawless game, capitalizing on Djokovic’s uncharacteristic errors to secure a 6-3, 6-4 victory. This was the first meeting between the two players, and the Italian’s victory was a monumental upset, even more surprising given Djokovic’s legendary status.
Arnaldi, visibly elated after the match, expressed his admiration for Djokovic, calling him his idol. He described the win as a personal victory, acknowledging Djokovic’s current struggles. His celebratory ‘OMG’ message on the court camera perfectly captured the magnitude of the unexpected win.
The defeat continues a disappointing start to the season for Djokovic, who is still searching for his first title of 2025. Despite winning his 99th career title last August at the Paris Olympics, he has since lost four finals. His quest to reach the 100-title milestone, a mark only achieved by Jimmy Connors and Roger Federer, has been temporarily stalled.
In other Madrid Open news, the young Russian sensation Mirra Andreeva continued her impressive run, reaching the last 16 for the third consecutive year. The 17-year-old, ranked No. 7, defeated Magdalena Frech in straight sets, showcasing her remarkable talent and consistency on the clay court. She will next face Ukrainian qualifier Yuliia Starodubtseva.
Djokovic’s early exit from the Madrid Open raises questions about his form heading into Roland Garros. While he remains a formidable force in tennis, this unexpected loss serves as a stark reminder that even the greatest champions can be vulnerable.
