Novak Djokovic faces “New reality” according to Madrid Exit | ATP tour

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Djokovic faces “new reality” after Madrid exit

The 37-year-old suffers a third defeat in a row

April 26, 2025

Novak Djokovic has set standards in tennis for almost two decades that could only reach a few, and even less could maintain. But after his defeat with a straight set against Matteo Arnaldi in his opening game at The Mutua Madrid Open recognized the 99-time tour level title list, the new chapter confirmed with which he is confronted.

It is a full new challenges and unknown fights. After his exit on Saturday, what his third defeat in a row marked after he had fallen in the Miami final and at his Monte Carlo start, Djokovic reflected on his changing expectations.

“I was hoping that I could play one more game than in Monte-Carlo. (It’s) a kind of new reality for me, I have to say,” said Djokovic after his 6: 3, 6: 4 defeat against Arnaldi. “The attempt to win one or two games, not really thinking about getting far in the tournament. It is a completely different feeling than what I had in more than 20 years of professional tennis.

“It is a challenge for me to really face such sensations on the pitch and now go out regularly in tournaments.”

Watch Highlights from Arnaldi’s surprise about Djokovic:

Djokovic came to an excruciating one to claim his 100 tour title in Miami, but was hired by inspired #Nextgenatp-Czech Jakub Mensik in the championship game. Former No. 1 in the PIF ATP ranking aimed at the tone and aimed at building some dynamics.

But his defeat against Arnaldi in her Maiden Lexus ATP Head2head meeting signals a further defeat of three games this year. Djokovic had not suffered three defeats since 2018, but did twice in 2025.

“Of course you don’t feel good after the loss of a game, but I had some of them this year, in which I unfortunately lose in the first round,” added Djokovic. “I knew that it would be a really hard opening game for me in this tournament. Arnaldi is a really good player, a high -quality player.

“I didn’t have too many games on sound. I practiced well, but it is completely different when you step into the playground. I think that I really enjoy myself more than me (act) in Monte Carlo, so that’s a good thing.

“But that’s the circle of life and career, after all it would happen.”

The world No. 5 Djokovic will leave the Spanish capital, where he won three of his record-40 ATP Masters 1000 titles, with a 12: 7 record in the season, according to the infosys atp win/loss index. The 37-year-old consists of falling outside the TOP 5 in the PIF ATP ranking this week, depending on other results. While Djokovic continues to navigate unknown areas in both results and expectations, the pressure under which he once thrown is a different kind of challenge.

“Print is part of the sport and part of what we do at this highest level. So it will never disappear, it is just a different kind of pressure,” added Djokovic. “But every time I step onto the pitch, I feel my nerves, I feel stress, I feel everything I think all other players also feel excited.

“(Competition) became a little more difficult for me to be honest. But of course I will do my best for the future.”