Novak Djokovic is competing on the ATP 500 occasion in Doha for the primary time in six years. The 2-time champion must produce his A-game proper from the beginning, with Matteo Berrettini standing on the opposite aspect of the web within the first spherical!
Novak and Matteo battled 4 instances between 2019 and 2021, with the Serb sustaining an ideal document. Their most up-to-date duel got here on the 2021 US Open, and the Serb is conscious of the rival’s abilities and qualities.
The 24-time Main winner admitted it was not a great draw, because it’s at all times powerful to face a formidable rival originally of the match. Alternatively, Novak highlighted aspect of that reality, having to play at a excessive stage all through the match.
Novak Djokovic has received his doubles match with Fernando Verdasco by a rating of 6-1 6-1.
Verdasco is retiring after Doha and needed Djokovic to share the courtroom with him in his closing occasion. 🥹❤️pic.twitter.com/0R36wySd2R
— Danny 🐊 (@DjokovicFan_) February 17, 2025
Doha is Novak’s third match of the season. He already made a profitable begin within the doubles draw alongside Fernando Verdasco on Monday. The 24-time Main winner hopes for extra in opposition to Berrettini after feeling wanting to chase his one hundredth ATP title in Doha.
Matteo Berrettini, Davis Cup Finals 2024© Stream screenshot
Djokovic began the 2025 marketing campaign in Brisbane and misplaced to Reilly Opelka. The Serb moved to Melbourne, chasing his eleventh Australian Open crown. The veteran struggled within the opening two rounds earlier than toppling Tomas Machac and Jiri Lehecka.
He reached the quarter-final and organized the conflict in opposition to world no. 3 Carlos Alcaraz. Novak skilled a setback within the first set after injuring his left leg. The legend requested for a medical timeout and gave every part to recuperate his motion.
Matteo Berrettini, Kitzbuhel 2024© Stream screenshot
The remedy began to work, and Djokovic ousted Alcaraz in 4 units after practically three hours and 40 minutes. The Serb didn’t apply for 2 days, working together with his crew to repair the troubled thigh. Nevertheless, he couldn’t recuperate for the semi-final conflict with Alexander Zverev.
Djokovic challenged world no. 2 within the opening set earlier than shedding it within the tie break after 80 minutes. The veteran felt elevated ache in his leg and retired at Majors for the primary time since 2019. Novak went to Belgrade and recovered from an harm.
Novak Djokovic, Doha 2024© Stream screenshot
He practiced and ready for his subsequent match. Matteo dropped out from the top-150 for the primary time in years in March final 12 months. He recovered his physique and claimed three ATP titles in 2024, ending it within the top-35.
The Italian has but to repeat that stage in 2025, scoring one victory in 4 encounters and searching for a deeper run in Doha. Nevertheless, he must work onerous to clinch his first victory over Djokovic.
“Matteo is a very powerful player with a big serve and forehand. He has great hands and hits with a lot of strength and power. I’m familiar with his game, and it’s not an ideal draw when you face him in the first round. On the other hand, it’s also good for me.
I have to be locked and focused from the first point of my first match,” Novak Djokovic stated.
