Novak Djokovic’s look forward to a one centesimal profession ATP Tour title continues after his aggressive return was lower quick with a shock first-round exit on the Qatar ExxonMobil Open.
Djokovic, making his first look since a leg damage compelled him to retire from his Australian Open semi-final, was overwhelmed 7-6 (4) 6-2 by Italian Matteo Berrettini within the final 32 on Tuesday.
Berretini got here by a one-sided tie-break to say the opening set after which dominated the second, breaking Djokovic twice on his method to a primary victory over a top-10 opponent since January 2023.
Djokovic’s defeat is his first opening-round loss for the reason that 2022 ATP Masters 1000 in Monte-Carlo and a primary profession defeat in opposition to Berretini, who will now face Tallon Griekspoor within the subsequent spherical.
“I labored actually arduous to be again right here, to be again at this degree,” stated Berretini, who was voted ATP’s Comeback Participant of the Yr in 2024 after a six-month damage lay-off. “I knew my degree was excessive. I simply wanted matches and matches like this.
“All of the arduous work that I have been placing within the final months, within the final days, it labored fairly nicely at this time. So I am actually proud of my efficiency. I am actually glad as a result of I loved my time on the market, which is a very powerful factor.”
Second seed Alex de Minaur defeated Roman Safiullin 6-1 7-5 to achieve the second spherical, his 2 hundredth hard-court win, with the Australian subsequent taking part in qualifier Botic van de Zandschulp within the newly upgraded ATP 500 match.
Andrey Rublev eased previous Alexander Bublik in straight units, maintaining him on track for a possible quarter-final in opposition to De Minaur, whereas Daniil Medvedev claimed his first win over a top-30 opponent this yr after defeating defending champion Karen Khachanov.
Murray to stick with Djokovic “indefinitely”
Djokovic will proceed to work with coach Andy Murray “indefinitely” as the 2 put together to work collectively throughout the North American Swing and the European clay-court season.
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Djokovic stated he is glad Andy Murray agreed to increase his teaching function with the Serbian and admits it is thrilling for the tennis world
Murray is now poised to work with the Serb at Indian Wells and Miami in March after which through the clay-court portion of the yr, which culminates on the French Open from Might 25 to June 8.
Djokovic instructed the ATP Tour’s in-house media channel: “We had a chat the day after I completed [the Australian Open] – we mirrored on the interval we spent collectively.
“We agreed he was going to take a while and suppose, converse together with his members of the family and see if he decides to maintain working. I expressed my want to proceed the collaboration with him so I’m actually glad he did settle for.
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Djokovic stated nearly all of the gamers he has spoken to really feel the lenient ban Jannik Sinner acquired for a constructive medicine take a look at is unfair and believes there may be favouritism for the larger names within the sport
“It’s indefinite when it comes to how lengthy we’re going to work collectively, however we agreed most certainly within the States and a few clay-court tournaments. We are going to see the way it goes after that.”
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