Djokovic assumes a ‘new reality’ | ATP Tour

Djokovic assumes with strength a ‘new reality’

The Serbian matures his elimination in the mutual Madrid Open

April 26, 2025

Novak Djokovic has turned excellence into a synonym for his career. One of the most legendary figures of modern sport, the Balkan collected indelible records in the history of ATP Tour, making victories an almost necessary destiny on their way.

Now, close to turning 38, the Balkan coexists with a reasonable reality. The defeats and the victories coexist from the hand, with a parity rarely seen in his career. The Serbian, which this Saturday was eliminated at the first change in the mutual Madrid Open, assumes the present that must face.

“I must say that it is a new reality for me,” said the Balkan, which accumulates a 12-7 balance in the 2025 season. “Try It has to happen.

That inner fire was not enough to stop Matteo Arnaldi’s blows, winner in an intense duel at the Manolo Santana stadium. The Italian, who had only achieved a Top 5 victory throughout his career, squeezed his teeth to knock down the three times champion about the clay of the Spanish capital.

“In the last 20 years I have not felt what I have lived in these last 12 months,” Djokovic said in a speech full of humanity. “I must accept premature falls, there are too many defeats of this type. But this starts from the sport and you have to assume the circumstances and try to use them in your favor. I cannot sit here and complain about my career. But it is a different feeling that I must accept and manage in a special way.”

The Balkan, the most laureate player in history at ATP Masters 1000 events with 40 trophies, assumed a blank output of the Magic Box, something nothing habitual in a gold trajectory. Despite the situation, Djokovic looked at the future with a mature resignation.

“I always try to be optimistic, because I know what I am able to have. But things are different, with my blows, my body, my movement, … it is a reality that I have to accept. I will try to take advantage of these circumstances, especially in the Grand Slam, which are the tournaments that mean more for me and where I want to recover my best level. We will see what happens.”

“The pressure is part of the sport and what we do to the maximum level. It will never disappear, but now I feel a different pressure. Whenever I enter the track I have nerves, I feel stress, everything that the other players notice, and I also feel emotion. I still like to compete, although it has become a major challenge for me.”