Matteo Berrettini delivered a statement performance at the Qatar ExxonMobil Open, toppling two-time champion Novak Djokovic in straight sets. The 7-6(4), 6-2 victory marked Berrettini’s first-ever win over the 24-time Grand Slam champion and his first triumph over a top-10 opponent in over a year.
The Italian’s serve was nearly untouchable, winning majority of points behind his first delivery. His 19 forehand winners overwhelmed Djokovic, who was playing his first match since withdrawing from the Australian Open semi-finals with a hamstring injury. After four previous losses to the Serb, Berrettini finally broke through.
“It’s something I’ve been looking to do,” Berrettini said. “I played against him in the most important tournaments on Tour. I wish I could have won one of those matches as well. I worked really hard to be back here.”
The win is a much-needed boost for Berrettini, who has struggled in 2025, entering Doha with just one victory this season. Last year, he staged a remarkable comeback from injury to win ATP’s Comeback Player of the Year, but consistency has eluded him. His dominant display against Djokovic, however, suggests he is finding his rhythm.
Djokovic, who won back-to-back Doha titles in 2016 and 2017, started strong, saving three break points in the first set. But Berrettini’s aggressive baseline play proved too much, as he claimed the tie-break before breaking twice in the second set. The loss marks Djokovic’s earliest tournament exit since 2022.
Berrettini now faces Tallon Griekspoor in the second round, seeking revenge for his first-round defeat to the Dutchman in Rotterdam earlier this month.
Meanwhile, Djokovic confirmed that Andy Murray will continue as part of his coaching team “indefinitely.” The former rivals began working together at the Australian Open on a trial basis, and the partnership will extend into the American hard-court swing and the clay season.
“I expressed my desire to continue the collaboration with him, so I’m really glad he accepted,” Djokovic said. “It was exciting for the whole tennis world and also for us to be in different roles together.”
Djokovic will now turn his focus to the upcoming Masters events, hoping to bounce back after his early Doha exit.
