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Novak Djokovic Upset in Doha: Berrettini Claims First Win
In a stunning upset at the Qatar Open, Matteo Berrettini defeated Novak Djokovic 7-6(4), 6-2, marking Djokovic's first loss to the Italian in five meetings. This unexpected result comes just after Djokovic's early exit from the Australian Open due to a hamstring injury.
Djokovic's Return and Early Exit
The 37-year-old Serbian, currently ranked No. 7, returned to the court in Doha hoping to add to his impressive win count and join the exclusive ATP 100-win club alongside Jimmy Connors and Roger Federer. However, his comeback was short-lived. Despite reporting no lingering hamstring pain from his Australian Open injury, Djokovic acknowledged being outplayed by Berrettini.
Berrettini's Triumph
Berrettini's victory is a significant milestone. This win marks his tenth career victory against a top-10 opponent, propelling him to the next round where he will face Tallon Griekspoor. The Italian's impressive performance highlights his growing strength on the ATP Tour.
Other Doha Highlights
The Qatar Open also saw other notable results. Daniil Medvedev secured a win, advancing to the second round, while Alex de Minaur, the No. 2 seed, defeated Roman Safiullin. In contrast, Stefanos Tsitsipas suffered an upset loss, highlighting the unpredictable nature of professional tennis.
Djokovic's Perspective
Despite the defeat, Djokovic remained gracious in his post-match comments, praising Berrettini's masterful performance and taking no excuses for his own less-than-stellar showing. He admitted to not being at his peak but emphasized the lack of any ongoing hamstring issues as a contributing factor to the loss.
Looking Ahead
Djokovic's early exit in Doha delays his pursuit of the 100-win milestone. However, with the Indian Wells Masters looming, he will have another opportunity to regain his form and add to his impressive career tally. The future matches are something to look forward to!
