Tennis News: Djokovic Leaves Madrid Open, Future Participation in Doubt

Novak Djokovic hints at potential retirement after a shocking loss to Matteo Arnaldi at the Madrid Open. Read more about his uncertain future.

Novak Djokovic hinted that the Madrid Open might have been his last tournament after a shocking second-round loss to Matteo Arnaldi. The Serbian tennis star admitted uncertainty about his future participation.

Djokovic, a three-time Madrid Open champion, was defeated 6-3, 6-4 by Arnaldi, who advanced to the third round. This loss marked Djokovic's third consecutive defeat, raising questions about his continued participation in the sport at 37.

Djokovic, who has been chasing a 100th tour-level title, was handed a shock defeat in the Miami Open final in late March before his second-round Monte Carlo exit earlier this month.

All three defeats came in straight sets.

“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,” Djokovic told a press conference.

“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.”

Novak Djokovic hinted that his Madrid Open appearance might be his last, saying, “It could be. I'm not sure if I'll come back.” The 37-year-old Serbian tennis star's future participation remains uncertain after his second-round loss to Matteo Arnaldi.

Novak Djokovic has lost in his opening match in 4 of his last 5 tournaments.

This is also the first time he’s lost back to back opening round matches in Masters 1000 events since 2018.

It’s been a really tough year for him so far… pic.twitter.com/AlvZz5uURV

— The Tennis Letter (@TheTennisLetter) April 26, 2025

Djokovic, a three-time Madrid Open champion, reflected on his potential retirement, joking, “I'll come back, maybe not as a player.” His recent form has been inconsistent, with Jannik Sinner and Carlos Alcaraz claiming major titles last year. This loss marked Djokovic's third consecutive defeat, adding to speculation about his future in tennis.

“(It's) kind of a 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 added.

“It's a completely different feeling from what I had in 20-plus years of professional tennis, so it's kind of a challenge for me mentally to really face these kinds of sensations on the court, going out early now regularly in the tournaments.

“But that's, I guess, the circle of life and the career, eventually it was going to happen.”

The former world number one owns ATP Masters 1000 records for most wins (414), semi-finals (79), finals (60) and titles (40).