On Saturday, April 26, 2025, Novak Djokovic's quest for a 100th career title hit a significant roadblock as he crashed out of the Madrid Open in the second round, losing 6-3, 6-4 to Italy's Matteo Arnaldi at the Caja Magica. This defeat marked Djokovic's fourth first-round exit of the year, following disappointing performances at the Qatar Open, Indian Wells, and Monte Carlo, leaving fans and analysts alike questioning the future of the 24-time Grand Slam champion.
Djokovic entered the match with a first-round bye, but the 37-year-old struggled to find his rhythm throughout the contest. After falling behind early, he managed to break back to make it 2-1, but Arnaldi quickly regained control, breaking Djokovic's serve again in the eighth game to clinch the first set in just 48 minutes. The Serbian's performance was marred by a staggering 20 unforced errors in the first set alone, finishing the match with a total of 32, a stark contrast to the precision he has been known for in his illustrious career.
In a post-match interview, Djokovic reflected on his current state, admitting, "It could be. It could be. I'm not sure if I will come back. So, I don't know. I mean, I'll come back, maybe not as a player, of course. I hope it's not, but it could be." This statement sent ripples through the tennis community, as it hinted at the possibility that he may have played his last match in Madrid.
Arnaldi, ranked 44th in the world, celebrated this monumental victory by scribbling 'OMG' on the camera lens, a testament to the significance of defeating his idol. The 24-year-old expressed his disbelief at the win, stating, "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." His performance showcased an impressive blend of defensive skills and aggressive play, proving his potential to rise in the ranks.
Djokovic's recent struggles have raised eyebrows, especially considering his previous dominance on the court. After reaching the final at the Miami Open, where he lost to Jakub Mensik, expectations were high. However, since the Australian Open, he has faced early exits in four out of five tournaments. Djokovic admitted, "[My expectations were] Not big at all, to be honest. I was hoping I could play one more match than I played in Monte Carlo." He acknowledged that this shift in mindset represents a new reality for him, one that he is still grappling with.
As Djokovic continues to navigate this challenging phase of his career, he emphasized the importance of adapting to the circumstances. "It’s a completely different feeling from what I had in 20-plus years of professional tennis, so it’s kind of a challenge for me mentally to really face these sensations on the court, going out early now regularly in the tournaments," he noted. This candid admission highlights the psychological toll that such defeats can take on a player of his caliber.
In other matches at the Madrid Open, Lorenzo Musetti advanced past Argentina's Tomas Etcheverry with a score of 7-6 (7/3), 6-2, setting up a third-round clash with Stefanos Tsitsipas. Musetti is on the verge of breaking into the top 10, having entered the tournament ranked 11th. Meanwhile, Madison Keys, the reigning Australian Open champion, secured a hard-fought victory over Anna Kalinskaya, winning 7-5, 7-6 (7/3). Keys had previously lost to Kalinskaya earlier in the month and was determined to raise her level for this encounter.
American fourth seed Coco Gauff also progressed with ease, defeating compatriot Ann Li 6-2, 6-3. Gauff's performance sets her up for a last-16 meeting with Swiss Olympic gold medalist Belinda Bencic. Additionally, 17-year-old Mirra Andreeva continued her impressive run, defeating Polish 27th seed Magdalena Frech 7-5, 6-3. Andreeva's strong showing this season has positioned her as a rising star on the WTA tour.
As the tournament progresses, all eyes will be on Djokovic's next steps. His candid reflections on his current performance and future in tennis leave fans wondering if they have seen the last of him in Madrid. The tennis world is undoubtedly hoping for a comeback, but for now, the focus shifts to the other competitors and their quests for glory in one of the sport's most prestigious events.
