Qatar Open 2025: Matteo Berrettini Shocks Djokovic in First Round
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Synopsis
In a shocking turn of events at the Qatar Open 2025, Matteo Berrettini defeated Novak Djokovic in straight sets, marking Berrettini's first top-10 win since 2023. This victory highlights Berrettini's return to form as he prepares for his next match against Tallon Griekspoor.
Key Takeaways
- Matteo Berrettini upset Novak Djokovic in Qatar Open 2025.
- Berrettini won his first top-10 match since 2023.
- Match score: 7-6(4), 6-2.
- Berrettini's first victory in their ATP head-to-head series.
- Next up: Berrettini vs. Tallon Griekspoor.
Doha, Feb 19 (NationPress) Matteo Berrettini from Italy delivered a stunning upset in the Qatar Open 2025, defeating former World No.1 Novak Djokovic in straight sets during the first round of the ATP 500 series event held on the hard courts on Tuesday. This marks Berrettini's first victory over a top-10 player since 2023.
Currently ranked 35th in the ATP Rankings, Berrettini, who previously held a career-high ranking of 6 in January 2022, faced some tense moments, including a few break points in the sixth game of the opening set. Ultimately, he clinched the match with scores of 7-6(4), 6-2 in just one hour and 33 minutes. Although Berrettini entered the tournament unseeded, Djokovic was the third seed and was anticipated to excel after his retirement from the Australian Open semi-final against Alexander Zverev due to a hamstring injury last month. However, Berrettini had other plans, showcasing a powerful display of tennis to upset the 24-time Grand Slam champion.
In the second set, the 28-year-old Berrettini broke Djokovic's serve in the second game and again in the lengthy eighth game, where he saved a game point after deuce and triumphed over the 37-year-old Serbian on the second advantage. Berrettini won an impressive 85 percent (40/47) of points behind his first serve, according to Infosys ATP Stats, leading to a remarkable 95-minute victory, which marked his first win in their ATP head-to-head series (1-4).
Recognized as the ATP’s Comeback Player of the Year in 2024 after returning from a six-month injury layoff to claim three tour-level titles, Berrettini began the 2025 season with challenges, holding a 1-3 record prior to Doha. However, his powerful performance against Djokovic, highlighted by 19 forehand winners, indicated he was close to regaining his top form.
Competing in his first singles match since retiring from the Australian Open semi-final against Alexander Zverev due to a hamstring injury, Djokovic appeared to move well in the windy conditions of Doha. This was particularly notable in the fifth game when he overcame a 0/40 deficit by outlasting Berrettini from the baseline, eventually executing an impeccably placed drop shot to hold serve. Yet, this effort wasn't sufficient to halt Berrettini's momentum as he dominated the tie-break.
Prior to Tuesday's match, Djokovic had broken Berrettini's serve 27 times across their four previous encounters, while Berrettini had managed to break just four times. However, following the tie-break in the first set, it was Berrettini who managed to break down the Serbian from the baseline and quickly establish a 3-0 lead in the second set. From that point, he delivered a performance that astonished the two-time champion, achieving his 10th career win against a Top 10 opponent.
In the second round of the upgraded ATP 500, Berrettini is set to face Tallon Griekspoor, who eliminated Berrettini in the first round at Rotterdam earlier this month.
