Berrettini Shocks Djokovic with Stunning Qatar Open First-Round Victory
In a major upset at the Qatar ExxonMobil Open 2025, Matteo Berrettini stunned Novak Djokovic in the first round, securing a 7-6 (4), 6-2 victory. The Italian, currently ranked 35th in the world, delivered a near-flawless performance to eliminate the 24-time Grand Slam champion from the tournament in Doha.
This defeat marks Djokovic’s earliest exit from a tournament in recent memory and raises questions about his match fitness following his withdrawal from the Australian Open semi-finals due to a hamstring injury. Meanwhile, for Berrettini, this victory represents a career-defining moment and a significant confidence boost after struggling with injuries in recent seasons.
Berrettini’s Powerful Performance Leaves Djokovic Helpless
The match, which lasted one hour and 35 minutes, saw Berrettini dominate with his serve, winning a remarkable 85% of points on his first serve (40 out of 47). The Italian executed his signature powerful forehands and precise serves to keep Djokovic on the back foot throughout the contest.
The first set was fiercely contested, with both players holding their serves, leading to a tiebreaker. Berrettini remained composed and took the tiebreak 7-4, putting himself in a strong position.
The second set was where Berrettini truly asserted dominance. He broke Djokovic’s serve twice, racing to a 4-1 lead before sealing the set 6-2 with a commanding display. His powerful groundstrokes and smart shot selection prevented Djokovic from finding any rhythm.
Djokovic Acknowledges Berrettini’s Brilliance
Djokovic, who was aiming for his 100th ATP title, was left frustrated by Berrettini’s aggressive play. Speaking after the match, the Serbian admitted:
“I was outplayed by just a better player today. He served incredibly well, and I struggled to find my best game. No excuses—he deserved the win.”
This was Djokovic’s first singles match since his Australian Open campaign, where he withdrew in the semi-finals due to injury. While he showed no visible discomfort, his movement lacked the sharpness that has defined his career.
Berrettini’s Journey Back to the Top
For Matteo Berrettini, this win is a turning point in his comeback. The 27-year-old Italian, who was named ATP Comeback Player of the Year in 2024, spent much of last season recovering from a six-month injury layoff. Despite this, he managed to secure three ATP titles last year.
Speaking after the match, Berrettini expressed his joy:
“This is a special win for me. Beating Novak, one of the greatest players in history, gives me so much confidence. I’ve worked hard to be back at this level.”
This was Berrettini’s first career win over Djokovic and his first victory against a top-10 player since 2023. His performance in Doha signals that he could once again be a threat in major tournaments if he maintains this level of play.
What’s Next for Berrettini and Djokovic?
Berrettini will now face Tallon Griekspoor in the next round. The Dutch player defeated Berrettini earlier this month in the first round in Rotterdam, setting up an exciting rematch.
Meanwhile, Djokovic’s focus will now shift to doubles, where he is partnering with Fernando Verdasco. The Serbian legend and the Spaniard will take on Harri Heliovaara and Henry Patten in the quarter-finals.
Despite this early exit, Djokovic is expected to return stronger for upcoming ATP tournaments, including the Indian Wells Masters in March.
Impact of the Upset on the Qatar Open
Djokovic’s loss has shaken up the tournament draw, opening the door for other top contenders to make a deep run in Doha. Top-seeded players like Daniil Medvedev and Andrey Rublev will now see this as an opportunity to claim the title.
For Berrettini, this win serves as a reminder of his potential. If he continues this form, he could emerge as a serious contender in the ATP 500 and Masters 1000 events leading up to the French Open.
Final Thoughts
Berrettini’s unexpected victory over Djokovic is a statement win, proving that he is back among the elite players on the ATP Tour. As the Qatar Open unfolds, all eyes will be on whether the Italian can build on this momentum or if another surprise is in store.
For Djokovic, the defeat is a setback, but given his incredible career resilience, fans can expect him to bounce back strongly in upcoming tournaments.
The Qatar Open 2025 has already delivered high drama, and with more exciting matches ahead, tennis enthusiasts have plenty to look forward to.
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