Despite dealing with a significant muscle tear, Djokovic returned ahead of schedule to compete in Doha at the Qatar Open (called the Qatar ExxonMobil Open for sponsorship purposes

Novak Djokovic was stunned 7-6(4) 6-2 by Matteo Berrettini in the Qatar Open first round on Tuesday as the Italian enjoyed his first win over the former world number one.

Novak Djokovic, the 24-time Grand Slam champion, has opened up on his shocking loss to Italy's Matteo Berrettini at the ATP Qatar Open.

Italian Matteo Berrettini upset third-seeded Novak Djokovic 7-6 (4), 6-2 in the first round of the Qatar ExxonMobil Open in Doha on Tuesday. It was the first career win in five attempts for Berrettini against the Serbian and also his first victory over a top-10 player since 2023.

Novak Djokovic knew he would have to play his best to defeat Matteo Berrettini in a tricky first-round clash at the ATP 500 event in Doha. The 24-time Major winner did not play badly, but his rival outplayed him and scored a 7-6, 6-2 victory in an hour and 33 minutes.

DOHA – Novak Djokovic admitted he was “outplayed” as his comeback came to a crashing halt on Feb 18, when he lost 7-6 (7-4), 6-2 to Matteo Berrettini in the second round of the Qatar Open.

Tuesday at the Qatar Open in the 24-time Grand Slam champion's first match since exiting the Australian Open with a hamstring injury, but he said that he didn't have "any pain or discomfort."