Novak Djokovic experiences Doha setback but congrats the finalists

Novak Djokovic failed to lift his third trophy in Doha after falling to Matteo Berrettini in the first round. It was a tricky draw for the 24-time Major winner, especially after experiencing a hamstring injury at the Australian Open. 

Novak fought well in the opener but suffered a 7-6, 6-2 loss for an early exit. Being the Global Brand Ambassador of the Qatar Airaways, Djokovic followed the tournament until the end and congratulated the finalists. 

Andrey Rublev defeated Jack Draper 7-5, 5-7, 6-1 in two hours and four minutes, earning his 17th ATP title and the first in Doha in five years.

After many struggles in 2024, Rublev played like a proper top-10 player in Doha. He won 17 points more than Jack and outplayed him behind the first and second serve. The Russian lost serve once in the closing stages of the second set. 

He stole Draper’s serve at the end of the opener and broke the Briton’s resistance with back-to-back breaks in the decider. Andrey landed 34 winners and 30 unforced errors, besting his rival’s 27-35 ratio. Jack missed too many forehands and faded from the court in the decider. 

Andrey Rublev, Doha 2025

Andrey Rublev, Doha 2025© Stream screenshot

 

They served well in the opening 11 games of the encounter. Jack clinched the tenth game with an ace and wished for another fine hold at 5-6. However, he sprayed a double fault and offered Rublev three set points. 

World no. 10 converted the third with a forehand down the line winner, wrapping up the first part of the duel 7-5 in 40 minutes. They saved three break points early in the second set before keeping the returners away from any chances in the next nine. 

Jack Draper & Andrey Rublev, Doha 2025

Jack Draper & Andrey Rublev, Doha 2025© Stream screenshot

 

Draper secured the tenth game with a drop shot winner and stepped in on the return in the next one. Andrey missed a forehand and faced two break points in the 11th game. He netted a routine forehand on the first and fell 6-5 behind. 

A left-hander landed a service winner in game 12, wrapping up the set and introducing a decider after an hour and 36 minutes. Andrey left that setback behind and served well in the final set. Jack could not respond, trailing the result from the early stages.

Novak Djokovic, Doha 2025

Novak Djokovic, Doha 2025© Stream screenshot

 

The Briton missed game points in the second game and lost serve after the Russian’s backhand crosscourt return winner. Rublev cemented the lead with an ace in game three and made another push on the return at 3-0. 

Draper sprayed a forehand error right after the serve, getting broken for the second straight time and propelling his opponent 4-0 up. Andrey moved 5-0 up after a lucky net cord forehand winner and chased the title at 5-1. 

World no. 10 provided a hold at love with an ace, sealing the deal in style and celebrating his 17th ATP title. 

​Tennis World USA


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