Overview

• Matteo Arnaldi, ranked 44th, defeated Novak Djokovic 6-3, 6-4 in the Madrid Open second round, marking his second career win against a top-five player.
• This loss represents Djokovic's third consecutive defeat of the season, following setbacks in Miami and Monte Carlo, and his fourth first-round exit in 2025.
• Djokovic admitted he is adjusting to lower expectations, focusing on winning individual matches rather than advancing deep into tournaments.
• The Serbian hinted that this might have been his final appearance at the Madrid Open, though he left the possibility open for a non-playing return in the future.
• Arnaldi, who described Djokovic as his idol, advances to the third round to face Damir Dzumhur in what could be another breakthrough moment for the 24-year-old.