Matteo Berrettini achieved a career milestone by defeating Novak Djokovic for the first time in five attempts. In the opening round of the ATP 500 tournament in Doha, the Italian claimed a commanding 7-6 (7/4), 6-2 victory, taking advantage of a rusty Djokovic, who had been sidelined for 25 days due to a thigh injury.
Berrettini’s performance was built on a dominant serve and solid baseline play, recording 13 aces, a 75% first-serve percentage, and not conceding a single break. His only real test came in the first set when he fended off three break points before forcing a tiebreak, where he maintained control and closed it out 7-4.
Djokovic struggled physically in the second set, allowing Berrettini to break early and race to a 3-0 lead before sealing the match on his second match point. With this win, the Italian advances to the round of 16, where he will face Tallon Griekspoor, who recently edged him out in Rotterdam.
Shock exit in Doha: Lehecka stuns Alcaraz to reach semifinals
21 Feb - 10:37 •
1' min
"Playing against Novak has always been an honor, but beating him was something I’ve wanted for years", Berrettini said after the match. "I’ve worked so hard to get back to this level, and today I saw the results of all that effort. The best part? I enjoyed every single moment out there".
