Overview

• Novak Djokovic was defeated by Italy's Matteo Arnaldi in straight sets (6-3, 6-4) in the second round of the Mutua Madrid Open.
• This marks Djokovic’s second consecutive early exit on clay this season, following his loss in Monte Carlo, and leaves him without a clay-court win in 2025.
• Djokovic admitted his performance was well below his expectations, citing 32 unforced errors and struggles to capitalize on key break points.
• The Serbian hinted at uncertainty about returning to Madrid, stating, 'This could have been my last match here.'
• With Djokovic and Carlos Alcaraz out, Alexander Zverev emerges as the favorite to claim the Madrid title, bolstered by his strong track record at the event.