Novak Djokovic Shockingly Eliminated from ATP Qatar Open

Novak Djokovic Shockingly Eliminated from ATP Qatar Open

In a stunning upset at the ATP 500 Qatar Open, Matteo Berrettini delivered a crushing blow to Novak Djokovic, eliminating the Serbian in the opening round. This marked the first time that the Italian had ever defeated the former world No.1 after losing all five of their previous encounters.

Djokovic, a two-time champion in Doha, was making his long-awaited return to competition following an injury layoff. The Serbian star had not played a professional match since his Australian Open semifinal exit earlier this year, where he suffered a ligament injury that forced him to withdraw from the tournament. Many expected him to make a strong comeback, but his performance suggested that he was still not at his best.

Despite showing glimpses of his world-class skill, Djokovic struggled to find his rhythm against a determined Berrettini. The Italian, currently ranked No. 28 in the world, played an aggressive yet composed game, taking control in crucial moments. Djokovic fought hard in the first set, forcing a tiebreak, but Berrettini held firm and took it 7-6. The second set saw Djokovic visibly slow down, allowing Berrettini to seal a convincing 6-2 victory.

With this impressive win, Berrettini advanced to the second round, where he will face Tallon Griekspoor from the Netherlands. Interestingly, the two met earlier this month in the first round of the Rotterdam Open, where Griekspoor emerged victorious. Now, Berrettini has a golden opportunity to avenge his previous loss and continue his strong run in Doha.

Hamad Medjedovic Stuns Stefanos Tsitsipas in a Thriller

The surprises at Qatar Open did not stop with Djokovic’s early exit. Hamad Medjedovic, a rising Serbian star ranked No. 73 in the world, produced another shock result by knocking out sixth seed Stefanos Tsitsipas in a marathon three-set battle.

Medjedovic has been in excellent form recently, having reached the final in Marseille just a week ago. Against Tsitsipas, he showed remarkable resilience and determination, proving that he is ready to compete at the highest level.

The match was a rollercoaster of momentum shifts, with Medjedovic narrowly edging out the first set in a tense tiebreak (7-6). However, Tsitsipas fought back in the second set, regaining control to level the match 5-7. The third and final set saw both players holding serve consistently, leading to yet another dramatic tiebreak decider.

With nerves of steel, Medjedovic played clutch points brilliantly, clinching the tiebreak 8-6 to secure an incredible 7-6, 5-7, 7-6 victory. It was a hard-fought win that demonstrated his ability to stay composed under pressure.

With this career-defining triumph, Medjedovic advances to the second round, where he will take on Felix Auger-Aliassime, the world No. 23 from Canada. The Serbian youngster will be looking to carry his momentum forward and continue his breakthrough run on the ATP Tour.

Djokovic’s Struggles and the Road Ahead

While Djokovic’s exit in the first round of an ATP 500 tournament is certainly rare, it is not entirely unexpected given his recent injury struggles. At 37 years old, the Serbian legend has faced more physical challenges in recent years, and this latest setback raises questions about his ability to maintain dominance on the tour.

Speaking after the match, Djokovic admitted that he was not feeling at his peak, but refused to make excuses for the loss.

“I didn’t feel any pain or discomfort in that sense. I was simply outplayed by a better player today,” Djokovic said, acknowledging Berrettini’s exceptional performance.

“Yes, I am not yet at the level I want to be, and maybe I wasn’t moving the way I would like, but I played without pain, so there are no excuses. He was simply the better player. He executed his strategy well and served exceptionally. He deserved this win.”

For Djokovic, this early exit in Doha is a disappointing start to his comeback. However, with the Indian Wells and Miami Masters events coming up in March, he will have more opportunities to regain form before heading into the clay-court season.

Can Berrettini Build on This Momentum?

For Matteo Berrettini, this victory over Djokovic marks a significant milestone in his career. Once considered a top-tier contender on the ATP Tour, injuries have plagued his progress in recent years, causing him to drop in the rankings.

However, his performance in Doha suggests that he may be returning to his best form. The Italian displayed powerful serving, precise shot-making, and a confident mindset, which helped him take down one of the game’s greatest players.

Looking ahead, Berrettini will need to stay consistent and build on this momentum. If he can continue to play at this level, there is a strong possibility that he could re-enter the top 10 rankings and become a serious threat once again.

Conclusion: A Tournament Full of Surprises

The ATP Qatar Open 2025 has already delivered major upsets, with Djokovic and Tsitsipas bowing out early. As the tournament progresses, the focus now shifts to whether players like Berrettini and Medjedovic can capitalize on their big wins and make deep runs.

With more intense battles ahead, this tournament is proving to be one of the most unpredictable ATP 500 events of the year. The road to the title is wide open, and anything can happen in the next few days.

What This Means for the ATP Tour Moving Forward

Djokovic’s early exit in Doha and the rise of players like Berrettini and Medjedovic highlight an important shift happening in the ATP Tour. While the “Big Three” era is nearing its twilight, the competition is becoming more unpredictable, with new contenders proving they can challenge the established elite.

For Djokovic, this loss serves as a wake-up call ahead of a crucial stretch in the season. With Indian Wells, Miami, and then the European clay-court swing, the Serbian great will need to regain his top form quickly. His focus will undoubtedly be on winning his 100th career title, a milestone that has eluded him so far in 2025. Can he turn things around and show that he is still the dominant force in men’s tennis?

For Matteo Berrettini, this win could be the turning point in his comeback. Having struggled with injuries over the past two years, the Italian has worked tirelessly to regain his physical and mental edge. If he can maintain this momentum, he has a real shot at becoming a top-tier player once again and possibly competing for major titles.

Meanwhile, Medjedovic’s breakthrough performance signals the rise of the next generation. The young Serbian is showing that he has the ability to compete at the highest level, and his next match against Felix Auger-Aliassime will be a true test of whether he can sustain this impressive run. Will he emerge as the ATP Tour’s next rising star?

With unexpected results already shaping the tournament, the Qatar Open has set the stage for what could be one of the most exciting seasons in recent memory. As veterans battle to maintain their legacies and new challengers emerge, the ATP Tour is entering an era of change. Who will rise to the occasion? The answers will unfold in the months ahead.