Major upset! Novak Djokovic faces early exit at Madrid Open

TOI Sports Desk / TIMESOFINDIA.COM / Updated: Apr 26, 2025, 21:48 IST

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Novak Djokovic's clay court struggles deepened with a shocking first-round loss to Italy's Matteo Arnaldi at the Madrid Open, further delaying his quest for a 100th career title. Meanwhile, Russian teenager Mirra Andreeva continued her impressive run in Madrid, reaching the last 16 for the third consecutive year. Andreeva expressed her nervousness but also her satisfaction with her consistent play.

Major upset! Novak Djokovic faces early exit at Madrid Open (AP Photo)

NEW DELHI: In a significant upset at the Madrid Open on Saturday, world-class tennis player Novak Djokovic suffered a defeat against Matteo Arnaldi in the initial round, highlighting his recent difficulties on clay courts before the French Open.
The Italian player Arnaldi secured a straight-sets victory of 6-3, 6-4, preventing Djokovic from achieving his hundredth career title.
This loss follows Djokovic's earlier elimination by Alejandro Tabilo at the Monte Carlo Masters a fortnight ago.
With this, Djokovic has now lost his opening match at 4 of his last 5 events.

This encounter marked the first competitive match between the world-renowned Djokovic and Italy's 44th-ranked Arnaldi.

In the women's draw, young Russian competitor Mirra Andreeva advanced to the round of 16 for the third consecutive year after defeating Magdalena Frech 7-5, 6-3.
The seventh-ranked Andreeva, aged 17, maintains her perfect record of reaching at least the fourth round in Madrid.
Her initial success at this stage occurred in 2023 when she competed as a wild card entrant in only her second WTA main draw appearance. Madrid also witnessed her first major quarterfinal achievement last season.
"I was very, very nervous," Andreeva said. "I still struggle to find my best tennis in Madrid. Super happy that I could manage to play consistent throughout the whole match."
Andreeva, who celebrates her 18th birthday on Tuesday, will face Ukrainian qualifier Yuliia Starodubtseva in her next match, following Starodubtseva's three-set victory over 18th seed Liudmila Samsonova.

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TOI Sports Desk

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