After numerous setbacks, Matteo Berrettini is still capable of challenging the world’s best players. The Italian displayed that at the ATP 500 event in Doha following a 7-6, 6-2 victory over the 24-time Major winner, Novak Djokovic.
Matteo and Novak met for the fifth time, and the lower-ranked player ousted the legend for the first time in five encounters. Berrettini outplayed Djokovic in an hour and 33 minutes in the first round following a rock-solid display.
The Serb played his first match since retiring in the Australian Open semi-final due to a hamstring injury. However, he did not use that setback as an excuse, praising the Italian and his high level.
Matteo Berrettini’s reaction after beating Novak Djokovic in Doha
Look at that smile
He lets out a massive roar
His first-ever win over Novak
After years of battling injuries… Matteo is back with more passion, hunger, & heart than ever
🇮🇹🥹
— The Tennis Letter (@TheTennisLetter) February 18, 2025
Novak fought well in the opener before fading from the court in the second set, experiencing his earliest hard-court defeat since Miami 2018. Matteo clinched ten points more and overpowered his rival behind the second serve.
Novak Djokovic & Matteo Berrettini, Doha 2025© Stream screenshot
The Italian gave away 15 points behind the initial shot and denied all three break points in one troubled service game. Berrettini prevailed in the first set and stole the rival’s serve two times in set number two to move over the top in style.
Djokovic hit 21 winners and 18 unforced errors, which was not enough to beat a high-profile rival. Matteo took charge and finished the duel with 33 winners and 23 errors. He went for his shots and landed 14 service winners more than the Serb.
He forged the difference in that segment and celebrated his first top-10 victory in over two years.
Matteo Berrettini & Novak Djokovic, Doha 2025© Stream screenshot
“Victory over Novak was a big moment. I lost to him on the notable stage, including the Wimbledon final, thinking about having a good chance if someone else was across the net. At the same time, I always felt proud of facing him, Rafa and Roger.
I will always cherish those memories and tell my kids about those matches. Beating Novak for the first time felt great, especially after overplaying him, which is always difficult. In some way, it was a double pride,” Matteo Berrettini said.
Tennis World USA