Novak Djokovic Vs Matteo Arnaldi Match Report, Madrid Open: Serbian Knocked Out In Round Of 64

Matteo Arnaldi pulled off the biggest win of his career as he dumped Novak Djokovic out of the Madrid Open on Saturday. (More Tennis News)

Djokovic has now lost his opening match at four of the last five tournaments he has played, with the only exception coming as he reached the final of the Miami Open last month.

He lost to youngster Jakub Mensik on that occasion, as his search for a 100th ATP Tour-level title continued, and the Serbian great proved no match for Arnaldi, who triumphed 6-3 6-4.

Djokovic found himself chasing from the off, having gone a break down early in the first set, and a further concession of his serve handed Arnaldi the chance to nudge ahead.

After clinching the decisive first break of the second set to go 4-3 up, Arnaldi then fended off three break points in the next game.

The world number 44 subsequently served out the victory, with Djokovic sending a backhand return long to bring his quest for a fourth Madrid Open title to a premature end.

Asked if this win was a dream come true, Arnaldi said: "Without any doubt. He's my idol. He always has been. I was just glad I could play him because I never played him, I only practiced once with him.

"So to play him at a stage like this was already a victory for me. He's not at his best right now. I came on court to try to play my best tennis and win."

Data Debrief: No luck for Novak

It is swiftly turning into a worrying season for Djokovic, who holds a 12-7 record in 2025.

After his loss in Monte Carlo earlier this month, the 24-time major champion has lost consecutive opening matches in ATP 1000 events for just the second time in his career after losing at the Indian Wells Open and Miami Open in 2018.

Arnaldi, meanwhile, claimed the second top-five win of his career, while he holds a 5-12 record against top-10 opponents.