Novak failed to pass his first obstacle at the Mutua Madrid Open Masters 1000 event in the Spanish capital.
Italian Matteo Arnaldi, ranked 44th in the world, caused an upset in the second round by defeating the fourth seed 6-3, 6-4.
The match lasted one hour and 40 minutes and was marked by numerous unforced errors from the three-time former Madrid champion.
Although Novak had a 40-15 lead on his serve in the second game, he let Arnaldi win four consecutive points and break him. The Serbian star immediately broke back in the very next game to level the score at 2-2. However, two double faults in a row in the eighth game handed Arnaldi another break, which the Italian confirmed to close out the first set 6-3 after 48 minutes of play.
Arnaldi continued his strong defensive performance in the second set. He capitalised on another dip in Novak’s game in the seventh game to go up 4-3. Although Novak had three break points in the following game, Arnaldi saved them all, winning five straight points, and two games later sealed the biggest victory of his career – against his idol.
“Mateo is a very strong and talented player, and I knew it wouldn’t be an easy match,” Novak said. “What disappointed me was the level of tennis I produced. I expected to at least go one round further than I did in Monaco. This is my new reality — coming to tournaments aiming to win a match or two, rather than, as I have for more than two decades, focusing on reaching the final. It’s a significant mental challenge to handle those emotions on the court. The truth is, Grand Slams are now my top priority, but that doesn’t mean I don’t want to lift a trophy at other events as well. I’m not sure if I’ll be able to hit my best form at Roland Garros, but I’m going to give it everything I’ve got.”
In the third round of Madrid, Arnaldi will face Damir Dzumhur of Bosnia and Herzegovina (ATP #63), who upset 32nd seed Sebastian Baez.
Novak’s next tournament is Gonet Geneva Open, scheduled from May 18 to May 24.
You can download Nole’s desktop calendar for May 2025 here.
Photo: Profimedia
