The Doha ATP 500 is set to deliver blockbuster action as Novak Djokovic returns to singles competition following a left thigh injury sustained during the 2025 Australian Open. On Tuesday, the 24-time Grand Slam champion will make his highly anticipated comeback, squaring off against a familiar foe: Matteo Berrettini.
For Djokovic, this match marks an important fitness test—a chance to shake off rust and assess his physical condition. For Berrettini, this first-round clash is more than just another match—it’s an opportunity of a lifetime to finally defeat the Serbian legend.
Djokovic vs. Berrettini: A Rivalry Rooted in Grand Slams
If history is anything to go by, Djokovic holds a commanding 4-0 record over Berrettini, with three of those victories coming on the sport’s biggest stages—Roland Garros, the US Open, and Wimbledon, all in 2021. Their most famous encounter came at Wimbledon, where Berrettini played his first and only Grand Slam final, only to be denied by Djokovic’s supreme adaptability and mental toughness.
While Berrettini’s powerful serve and forehand-heavy game are known to trouble opponents on fast courts, Djokovic’s superior movement and return game have always given him the upper hand against the Italian.
But this time, things are different.
Djokovic enters Doha with major question marks surrounding his fitness. His left thigh injury limited his training for weeks, and while he eased back into competition with a doubles win alongside Fernando Verdasco, the real test will come in singles play.
Could this be Berrettini’s best chance yet to finally crack the Djokovic code?
Berrettini: “If There’s a Good Time to Face Djokovic, It’s Now”
Ahead of the match, Berrettini was brutally honest about his chances:
“If there is a good time to face a legend like Djokovic, it is definitely in the first round, when he may not be in top form yet. I have never been able to defeat him, but this could be the right opportunity. I expect a very tough match, as it has always been every time I have faced him.”
The Italian knows that Djokovic at 100% is nearly unbeatable, but the world No. 1 may still be working his way back to peak condition.
For Berrettini, the key factors are:
- High-energy start – If Djokovic is physically vulnerable, Berrettini must strike early and test his movement.
- Dominating on serve – His biggest weapon must fire at full capacity to avoid getting dragged into long baseline exchanges where Djokovic thrives.
- Confidence despite a rough start to 2025 – With only one win so far this season, Berrettini needs to reset mentally and play like the Grand Slam contender he once was.
Can Djokovic Shake Off the Rust?
While all eyes will be on Berrettini’s ability to capitalize, Djokovic’s form will be just as fascinating to watch.
The Serbian superstar has historically been resilient when returning from injuries, but even he admitted that he hasn’t practiced much in recent weeks. The big question is whether his legendary endurance and flexibility will hold up against a player who can apply relentless pressure.
With Roland Garros and the Olympics on the horizon, Djokovic won’t be taking unnecessary risks, but he also won’t want to start his 2025 campaign with an early-round exit. Expect him to manage his workload carefully while still finding ways to mentally dominate the match.
The Verdict: Can Berrettini Finally Break Through?
This showdown has all the ingredients for an upset—Djokovic is returning from injury, Berrettini is desperate for a big win, and fast courts tend to favor power hitters.
But history suggests that Djokovic, even at 80%, finds a way to survive these kinds of battles.
If Berrettini doesn’t bring his A-game from the first ball, he could quickly find himself in familiar territory—outplayed, outmaneuvered, and on the wrong end of another Djokovic masterclass.
One thing is certain: the world will be watching.
