Novak Djokovic opens up on whether his opening round loss against Matteo Arnaldi ‘could be’ his last match ever in Madrid
Struggling with his form, Novak Djokovic is yet to win a match on clay in the 2025 season.
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Novak Djokovic (via X)
It’s been a rough ride for Novak Djokovic recently. The Serb has once again been knocked out in the opening round of a tournament in 2025, this time in Madrid at the hands of Matteo Arnaldi.
Speaking after the match, there has been speculation about Djokovic potentially playing his last match in Madrid this year. The former World No. 1 hasn’t denied those talks but remained optimistic about returning to this court again.
It could be, I’m not sure if I’ll return. I don’t know. I will definitely come back, but I’m not sure as a player. I hope it’s not my last match here, but it could be.
Novak Djokovic said in his post-match press conference
Djokovic has found success in Madrid, just as he has on almost every court he has played on in his career. The Serb is a three-time champion here, with title wins in 2011, 2016, and 2019.
However, this year, much like most of the season, the Serb has been out of touch. In fact, the 37-year-old is yet to win a match on clay this season, as he was also knocked out in the opening round of Monte Carlo earlier this month.
Novak Djokovic dismisses ‘favorite’ tag for Roland Garros
Novak Djokovic has refused the tag of being a favorite for this year’s Roland Garros. The Serb is a three-time former champion at the French Open but admits he will come into this year’s edition as an underdog.
Pressure is part of the sport, part of what we do at these levels, it never goes away, although now it’s a different kind of pressure. Every time I step on the court, I feel nerves, I feel the pressure other players feel, also the excitement. I still enjoy competing; it has become more challenging, honestly, but I’ll give it my all in the upcoming Grand Slams. I’m not going to Roland Garros as one of the favorites. Maybe that will help.
Novak Djokovic said in his post-match press conference
Funnily enough, Djokovic has not lost a match at Roland Garros in over two years. In 2023, he won his 23rd Grand Slam in Paris. In 2024, he withdrew from his quarterfinal against Casper Ruud due to a meniscus tear. A couple of months later, he won the Olympic gold medal at the Paris Games.
Hence, he doesn’t have a losing habit on the Paris dirt. However, looking at his form as of late, it will be hard to see him challenge the likes of Carlos Alcaraz and Jannik Sinner for the big prize.
Novak Djokovic stunned in Madrid
Matteo Arnaldi shocked Novak Djokovic on Saturday at the Mutua Madrid Open. The Italian played fearless tennis and beat the fourth seed. Arnaldi defeated the three-time Madrid champion 6-3, 6-4 in the second round.
The young Italian grew up admiring Djokovic. Facing his idol, he showed no fear. He stayed aggressive and smart from the first point to the last.
Arnaldi used the whole court very well. He mixed powerful shots with clever drop shots. This made it hard for Djokovic to find his rhythm. Djokovic made 32 unforced errors, 17 of them from his backhand. He tried to attack early but missed too often. Arnaldi took his chances and earned the biggest win of his career.
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