WATCH: Novak Djokovic seen limping at Doha airport after Qatar Open exit

Posted by author February 22, 2025 World

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Novak Djokovic lost the first round of the Qatar Open 2025.

24-time Grand Slam champion Novak Djokovic was seen limping on his way to the Doha airport. The ATP Qatar Open 2025 has seen a list of shocking upsets, with Djokovic’s defeat to Matteo Berrettini topping the list.

The Serbian tennis star Novak Djokovic suffered an opening-round loss, in straight sets, following which he immediately addressed injury concerns. “I didn’t have any pain or discomfort in that sense. I was outplayed by just a better player today.”

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“Yes, I wasn’t at my desired level, and it could be that I’m still not moving the way I want to move, but, I mean, I played without pain, so there is no excuse for that. He was just the better player. I think he played a master class match, to be honest, tactically, and served very well, so just a very deserved win from his side”, said the 37-year-old, who praised his opponent and gave no excuse for the defeat.

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However, a viral video captures the Serbian limping his way to the airport. Though only eight seconds long, the footage clearly shows Djokovic struggling with his stride.

Djokovic is set to compete in Indian Wells and the Miami Open in March, both ATP 1000 Masters events. Currently ranked World No. 7 with a 7-3 record this year, the 24-time Grand Slam champion will be eager to secure a title to boost his ATP ranking. A higher ranking is crucial ahead of a Slam, as a lower seeding means facing tougher opponents earlier in the marquee event.

Also Read: Miami Open 2025: Novak Djokovic, Carlos Alcaraz headline ATP 1000 event

Apart from the Serbian, several other top seeds have found it tough in Qatar. Initially seeded first Jannik Sinner was forced to withdraw following a three-month ban from tennis. Second seed Carlos Alcaraz was stunned by lower-ranked Jiri Lehecka, while Daniil Medvedev, who looked promising had to forfeit his quarter-final contest due to illness.

Like Djokovic, Stefanos Tsitsipas lost his first round, while Andrey Rublev remains in the running. The Russian won the competition in 2020 and will take on Canada’s Felix Auger Aliassime, for a berth in the final. Jack Draper, who is playing his first encounter following the Australian Open disappointment is set to face Lehecka in the other semi-final.

The final of the Qatar Open 2025 tournament will take place on February 22, at the Khalifa International Tennis and Squash Complex in Doha.

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