“Things aren’t the same as 10 years ago,” Novak Djokovic refuses to change despite a first-round shocking exit in Qatar

World No.7 Novak Djokovic exits from the Qatar Open after losing to Matteo Berrettini 6(4)-7, 2-6 in the first round.

“Things aren’t the same as 10 years ago,” Novak Djokovic refuses to change despite a first-round shocking exit in Qatar

Novak Djokovic (Image via X)

Novak Djokovic was stunned by Matteo Berrettini in the opening round of the Qatar Open, as he fell to the Italian in straight sets. The former World No.1 was hoping to win the tournament’s title, which would have taken his total tour-level tally to 100. But, despite that not being the case, he is determined not to change his style of play on the court.

Djokovic was on the court on Tuesday (February 18) for the first time since the Australian Open in January. The Serbian picked up an injury in the Grand Slam event and was forced to retire during his semifinal tie against Alexander Zverev. However, back on the court in Doha, he wasn’t at his best level in the match against Berrettini.

YouTube video

The World No.7 gifted his opponent a lot of convertible points, especially in the first set tiebreak. That gave Berrettini the leeway to run away with a 7-6(4), 6-2 victory in the first round. Djokovic, who has yet to win an ATP title since last year, didn’t challenge his Italian opponent. Also, it was Djokovic’s first loss against Berrettini.

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During Djokovic’s press conference, he was asked about what he needed to do to begin winning titles again. The World No.7 said that it will be very hard to change his style of play on the court considering that it has given him plenty of success in the last 10 to 15 years.

I am trying to improve my game, as everybody else. But my game is not going to change now drastically. I’m not going to play serve and volley, maybe every once in a while, but my game is what it is, the core is going to be the same. I’m going to try to adjust depending on the surface that I play on and so forth. There are more injuries. Things are not the same as 10 years ago, 15 years ago. I still try to take care of my body on a daily basis, and it’s more challenging now, no doubt.

Novak Djokovic said via ATP

Nonetheless, it was the first time Djokovic suffered an opening-round loss since the 2022 Monte Carlo Masters against Alejandro Davidovich Fokina. Djokovic, who’s a two-time Qatar champion now has a 7-3 win-loss record in 2025.

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Novak Djokovic excited to play without pain at the Doha Open following return from injury

Novak Djokovic showed signs of rust during his first round loss to Matteo Berrettini in Doha. However, there was no sign that he was still dealing with the muscular tear which he sustained at the Australian Open. The Serbian star was just nowhere near the level of his Italian opponent in the 95-minute match.

Novak Djokovic
Novak Djokovic (via Instagram)

On Wednesday (February 19), he took to social media to share with his fans that the tournament didn’t go as he would have liked but he was happy he played without pain.

Not what I was hoping for out there but good to be back on court. Still working on getting back to my desired level but I played without pain so no excuses. Matteo was the better player on the day and deserves his victory. Good luck Matteo and thank you Qatar for your support.

Novak Djokovic wrote on X

Djokovic is next scheduled to play at the Indian Wells Masters in March. The former World No.1 has won the title five times in his career. He will hopes to add to the tally in this year’s edition of the event.