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On Saturday, April 26, one of the finest tennis players, Novak Djokovic was handed a scathing defeat at the hands of Italy’s Matteo Arnaldi in the Round of 64 clash at the Mutua Madrid Open 2025. The 37-year-old Serbian went down 3-6, 4-6 in straight sets at the Manola Santana, thus making it his fourth first round exit in last five tournaments.
With a defeat, Djokovic later dropped a subtle hint on his retirement. Speaking at a later stage, the 24-time Grand Slam winner hinted that he might not want to return to Madrid next year. However, he did not directly speak about it, but added that he might come, but not as a player.
I'll come back, maybe not as a player. I hope it's not, but it could be: Novak Djokovic
Speaking to the reporters after his defeat to Arnaldi, Djokovic said, "Obviously, after you lose a match you don't feel good, but I've had a few of these this year where I lose in the first round, unfortunately. I think the positive thing is that I really enjoyed myself more than I have in the Monte-Carlo or some other tournament, so that's a good thing. But obviously, still level of tennis is not where I would like it to be. But it is what it is. I lost to a better player.”
"I mean, I'll come back, maybe not as a player. I hope it's not, but it could be. (It's) kind of new reality for me, I have to say. You know, trying to win a match or two, not really thinking about getting far in the tournament," Djokovic told the reporters after the match. This defeat came when the 37-year-old was eying his 100th ATP title since his last coming at the US Open in 2023.
Furthermore, the Serb also claimed that after the recent defeats, he will not be approaching the highly-anticipated Roland Garros as a “favourite”. “It’s weird, I wasn’t used to approaching these tournaments like this over the last 20 years. It’s the cycle of life. I won’t be one of the main favorites at Roland Garros. Maybe that will help me, I don’t know,” Djokovic added.
The 37-year-old will hope to get back in form ahead of the French Open as he now sets his eyes on the Italian Open, scheduled to get underway on May 7.
