Djokovic Records Third Consecutive Loss Yet Again As He Shockingly Exits Madrid Open
NewsSaturday, 26 April 2025 at 18:01
Novak Djokovic was once again stunned in his first match at an event, recording his third consecutive loss for the second time this season.
Djokovic doesn't lose matches often, let alone two in a row. Losing three in a row is a huge rarity for the 24-time Grand Slam champion, but this year, he has lost three consecutive matches twice already.
It first happened when Djokovic lost at the Australian Open, then at the Qatar Open in Doha, and also at the Indian Wells Open, recording his third straight loss.
Now, he came to Madrid hoping to end his two-match losing streak after losing in the Miami Open final to Jakub Mensik and then at the Monte-Carlo Masters to Alejandro Tabilo.
Djokovic's opponent was Matteo Arnaldi, a player ranked 44th on the ATP Tour. But despite his lack of experience, the young Italian player started really well, breaking already in the second game to lead 2-0.
But Djokovic quickly broke back and at 2-2, the 37-year-old even had a chance to lead 3-2. But not converting his only break point in that game came at a cost for Djokovic, as Arnaldi battled his way to another break point at 4-3, and after using his chance, the Italian also held his serve to win the first set of the match 6-3.
Djokovic was in trouble, losing his fifth consecutive set on the ATP Tour, and it didn't get any better in the second set. Arnaldi was the better player, using his only chance to break and subsequently saving three of Djokovic's break points.
Djokovic couldn't turn this match around, losing 3-6, 4-6, which meant a third consecutive loss for him. The Serbian player made 32 unforced errors during the match.
For Arnaldi, this was undeniably the biggest win of his tennis career. Thanks to beating Borna Coric in the opening round and now Djokovic, he will play against Damir Dzumhur in the third round of the tournament. Following the win, the Italian player admitted that at the start, he only focused on dealing with his nerves.
"At the start, I was trying to just not s**t my pants, to be honest."
During his on-court interview, Arnaldi was also asked if the win felt like a dream come true for him. The 24-year-old player wasn't shy to admit that Djokovic is his idol, which made the win special for him.
"Pretty much. Without any doubt. He’s my idol. He always has been. I was just glad I could play him because I never played him, I only practiced once with him."
"So to play him at a stage like this was already a victory for me. He’s not at his best right now. I came onto the court to try to play my best tennis and win. Right now, I don’t even know what to say."
Djokovic, on the other hand, will focus on hitting peak form before the Roland Garros. Like the rest of the Tour, the Serbian player will compete at the Italian Open in Rome, hoping to turn his season around.
Popular News
Just In
