After Djokovic Madrid exited, he admitted to facing a "new reality"
Djokovic left Madrid with a 12-7 record in the season.
For much of the last nearly two decades, Djokovic has set a level of tennis that few have consistently maintained. But after being beaten in straight sets by Matteo Arnadi in his opening match at the Madrid Open, he admits he's facing a new phase.
This is a stage full of new challenges and unfamiliar dilemmas. After Saturday's exit, Djokovic was candid. The defeat marked his third straight defeat following a final defeat in Miami and a first-round exit at the Monte Carlo Open. He reflects on his changing expectations.
Djokovic said after losing 3-6, 4-6 to Al Nadi:
"At Monte Carlo, I also wanted to play one more game...... I have to say that this is a new reality for me. Try to win a game or two instead of trying to go further in the tournament. It's completely different from how I've felt in my professional tennis career for the past two decades or so. ”
'It's a mental challenge for me to really face that feeling on the pitch and often get out early in games now.
Djokovic reached the final in Miami and came close to winning his 100th tour-level title. However, in the title match, he was defeated by the in-form new generation of Czech athlete Jakub Mensik. Switching to clay, I was hoping to accumulate some form.
However, he lost in his first meeting with Al Nadi, meaning he suffered another three-game losing streak this year. Djokovic hasn't suffered a three-game losing streak since 2018, but he's already experienced it twice in 2025.
Djokovic added:
It doesn't feel good to lose, but unfortunately I've had a couple of first-round exits this year and I know it's going to be very tough for me in this tournament. Alnadi is a very good player, very strong. I don't play many matches on clay. I trained well, but when you step on the field, it's a completely different story. I think the positive side is that I'm enjoying the game more here than in Monte Carlo, which is a good thing. But obviously, my tennis level is not at the height I expected.
However, Djokovic also said frankly: But this is the cycle of life and career, and eventually things like this will happen.
Djokovic has won three titles in Madrid. Now have to leave with a 12-7 record this season. This week he will be at risk of falling out of the top 5 in the ATP rankings, depending on the outcome of the other players' matches.
As Djokovic continues to deal with unfamiliar circumstances in terms of results and expectations, he is now facing a different kind of challenge as he thrived under pressure.
In this regard, Djokovic said:
Pressure is part of the sport and part of what we face at the highest level, so it's never going to go away, it's just a different type of pressure. Every time I step on the pitch, I feel nervous, I feel pressure, I can feel everything I think all the other players would feel, and of course the excitement. To be honest, it has become more challenging for me. But of course, I'm going to give it my all for the future.
It is indisputable that Djokovic, who is about to turn 38 years old, is indeed old...... [Come and see me] [Zuoyi] [Rose] [Flicking fists]
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