Novak Djokovic Sparks Concern with Candid Admission After First-Round Doha Exit
Novak Djokovic crashed out of the Qatar Open in the first round, raising fresh concerns about his form and fitness following a 7-6(4), 6-2 loss to Matteo Berrettini on Tuesday.
Djokovic Struggles in Singles Return
The world No. 7 was playing his first singles match since withdrawing from the Australian Open semi-final due to a muscle tear. While he had already won a doubles match alongside Fernando Verdasco, the Serbian superstar struggled against Berrettini, who finally claimed his first career win over Djokovic in a rematch of the 2021 Wimbledon final.
Despite his loss, Djokovic dismissed injury concerns but admitted that he was still struggling with his movement.
“I didn’t have any pain or discomfort,” the 24-time Grand Slam champion stated. “I was outplayed by just a better player today. 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 played without pain, so there is no excuse in that.”
Djokovic Addresses Growing Physical Challenges
At 37 years old, Djokovic acknowledged that injuries have become more frequent in recent years, with last year’s meniscus surgery and his recent muscle tear adding to his challenges.
“There are more injuries, for sure. Things are not the same like 10 years ago, 15 years ago,” he admitted. “I still try to take care of my body on a daily basis, and it’s more challenging now, no doubt, but I still try to do my very best, given the circumstances.”
Djokovic Still Competing in Doubles
Djokovic remains in the doubles draw with Verdasco and will face No. 2 seeds Harri Heliovaara and Henry Patten—the reigning Australian Open champions—in the second round on Wednesday.
“My plan is to try to go as far as I can in doubles,” Djokovic added. “I’ll stay in Doha at least for one more match, and then we see. I was planning to go to Indian Wells and Miami, so I’ll talk with my team after I finish this tournament.”
While his Doha campaign in singles ended abruptly, all eyes will be on whether Djokovic can regain his best form ahead of the Indian Wells Masters next month.
