Matteo Berrettini stuns Novak Djokovic at Qatar Open

Matteo Berrettini stunned Novak Djokovic on Tuesday (AEDT) in the opening round of the Qatar Open, beating the former No.1 7-6(4), 6-2 to earn his first win over a top-10 opponent since 2023.

The last year has not been kind to Berrettini, who struggled to play at a high level after returning form injury, though his performance in Doha was nothing short of spectacular.

Coming into the match with only one win in 2025, the Italian outplayed Djokovic in most facets of the game.

Most notable was Berrettini’s serve as he bombed 13 aces over the course of the one-hour, 33-minute match while dominating play with his forehand from the baseline.

It was the former No.6’s first win over Djokovic, who beat him in his only Grand Slam final appearance at Wimbledon in 2021.

Berrettini did not hide his satisfaction after his victory, admitting he had been targeting the Serbian’s scalp for a while.

“It’s something I’ve been looking to do for a long time,” he said.

“I played him in the most important events on tour.

“I had the honour and pleasure to play him.

“I wish I could have won one of those matches.

“I worked really hard to be back here and be at this level.”

Djokovic, a $1.25 favourite at tennis betting sites ahead of the fixture, was as gracious as ever in defeat.

“I was outplayed by just a better player today,” he said.

“I think he played a masterclass match, to be honest, tactically, and served very well, so just a very deserved win from his side.”

The world No.7 confirmed afterwards that the hamstring injury he suffered in January did not hamper him significantly during the match.

“I didn’t have any pain or discomfort in that sense,” he said.

“Yes, I wasn’t at my desired level, and it could be that I’m still not moving the way I want to move, but, I mean, I played without pain, so there is no excuse in that.”

Berrettini entered the contest as a heavy underdog, with top online bookmakers pricing him at $3.75 to upset the No.3 seed.

Heading into his second round, though, Berrettini is now a favourite against Tallon Griekspoor.

The Dutchman is a familiar face, having bested him in Rotterdam 6-3, 6-7(2), 7-6(4) last week.

Berrettini was priced at $1.56 to win in that match, and he comes into this one as a $1.40 chance at Marantelli Bet.

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