Novak failed to overcome his first obstacle at the Mutua Madrid Open and advance into the third round of the Masters event in the Spanish capital.
Italian Matteo Arnaldi, ranked 44th in the world, caused an upset in the second round by defeating the fourth seed 6-3, 6-4.
“Mateo is a very strong and talented player, and I knew it wouldn’t be an easy match,” Novak said. “What disappointed me was the level of tennis I produced. I expected to at least go one round further than I did in Monaco. This is my new reality — coming to tournaments aiming to win a match or two, rather than, as I have for more than two decades, focusing on reaching the final. It’s a significant mental challenge to handle those emotions on the court. The truth is, Grand Slams are now my top priority, but that doesn’t mean I don’t want to lift a trophy at other events as well. I’m not sure if I’ll be able to hit my best form at Roland Garros, but I’m going to give it everything I’ve got.”
The match lasted one hour and 40 minutes and was marked by numerous unforced errors from the three-time Madrid champion (32 to 18).
Although Novak had a 40–15 lead on his serve in the second game, he allowed Arnaldi to win four consecutive points and break. The Serbian immediately broke back in the next game to level the score at 2–2. However, two consecutive double faults in the eighth game handed Arnaldi another break, which the Italian confirmed to close out the first set 6–3 after 48 minutes of play.
Arnaldi continued his strong defensive performance in the second set. He capitalized on another dip in Novak’s game in the seventh game to go up 4–3. Although Novak had three consecutive break points in the following game, Arnaldi saved them all, winning five straight points, and two games later sealed the biggest victory of his career – against his idol.
In the third round of Madrid, Arnaldi will face Damir Dzumhur of Bosnia and Herzegovina (ATP #63), who upset 32nd seed Sebastian Baez.
Novak’s next tournament is the Rome Masters, scheduled from May 7 to May 18.
Photo: Profimedia
