Djokovic’s Qatar Comeback Cut Short

Djokovic’s Comeback Cut Short in Doha

Novak Djokovic aimed for a strong comeback after his Australian Open injury. Sadly, Matteo Berrettini stopped him in his tracks at the Qatar Open. Berrettini won 7-6 (7/4), 6-2. So, Djokovic’s Doha journey ended early.

Djokovic Acknowledges Defeat

“He simply played better,” Djokovic admitted. The tennis legend said he wasn’t at his best. Furthermore, he mentioned his movement wasn’t quite where he wanted it. However, Djokovic stated pain wasn’t an issue, meaning there were no excuses.

Berrettini’s Big Win

This victory marked Berrettini’s first win against a top-10 player since 2023. Amazingly, this was also his first ever win against Djokovic. “He played a masterclass today,” Djokovic praised Berrettini’s tactics and serve. It was “a very deserved win,” he added.

Dream Come True for Berrettini

“I’ve waited a long time for this,” Berrettini said after his victory. He has played Djokovic in major tournaments before. “I really wish I’d won one of those,” Berrettini confessed.

Match Highlights

Berrettini grabbed the first set by winning crucial tiebreak points against Djokovic’s serve. Then in the second set, he broke serve early in the second game. This put him in control.

Djokovic’s Serve Struggles

Despite breaking Berrettini’s serve many times in past matches, Djokovic couldn’t repeat that. Berrettini served strongly throughout the match. Eventually, Berrettini sealed the win on his second match point.

Respect After the Match

“Novak is a champion who always comes back,” Berrettini stated. He emphasized focusing on each point, not just match point.

Djokovic’s Future Plans

Djokovic isn’t planning big changes to his playing style. “I want to improve like everyone,” Djokovic explained. “But my core game will stay the same.”

Challenges of Age

“Injuries are more common now,” Djokovic noted. Things are different than years ago, he said. He still works hard to care for his body daily. “It’s more challenging now, for sure,” he admitted. Despite the challenges, he aims to do his best.

Other Tournament Action

Elsewhere, Alex De Minaur beat Roman Safiullin despite bad weather. Daniil Medvedev won a tough match against Karen Khachanov. Andrey Rublev also secured a victory against Alexander Bublik.