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Matteo Berrettini Defeats Novak Djokovic in Qatar Open First Round

Berrettini secures his first career win against Djokovic, ending the Serb's comeback attempt after a hamstring injury.

Tennis - Qatar Open - Khalifa International Tennis and Squash Complex, Doha, Qatar - February 18, 2025 Serbia's Novak Djokovic looks dejected after losing his round of 32 match against Italy's Matteo Berrettini REUTERS/Ibraheem Al Omari
Tennis - Qatar Open - Khalifa International Tennis and Squash Complex, Doha, Qatar - February 18, 2025 Italy's Matteo Berrettini in action during his round of 32 match against Serbia's Novak Djokovic REUTERS/Ibraheem Al Omari
Tennis - Qatar Open - Khalifa International Tennis and Squash Complex, Doha, Qatar - February 18, 2025 Serbia's Novak Djokovic in action during his round of 32 match against Italy's Matteo Berrettini REUTERS/Ibraheem Al Omari
Tennis - Qatar Open - Khalifa International Tennis and Squash Complex, Doha, Qatar - February 18, 2025 Serbia's Hamad Medjedovic in action during his round of 32 match against Greece's Stefanos Tsitsipas REUTERS/Ibraheem Al Omari

Overview

  • Matteo Berrettini defeated Novak Djokovic 7-6(4), 6-2 in the first round of the Qatar ExxonMobil Open in Doha, marking his first win over the 24-time Grand Slam champion in five attempts.
  • This victory is Berrettini's first over a top-10 player since January 2023, showcasing his return to form after battling injuries in recent years.
  • Djokovic, playing his first singles match since retiring from the Australian Open semifinals due to a hamstring injury, stated he felt no pain but acknowledged being outplayed by Berrettini.
  • Berrettini, ranked world No. 35 and last year's ATP Comeback Player of the Year, will face Dutch player Tallon Griekspoor in the second round.
  • Djokovic, aiming for his 100th ATP title, will now focus on the doubles event in Doha, partnering with Fernando Verdasco.