Novak Djokovic lost to Matteo Arnaldi in the opening round of the Madrid Open on Saturday, extending the 24-time Grand Slam winner’s struggles on clay ahead of Roland Garros.
Arnaldi won 6-3, 6-4, delaying Djokovic’s search for a career 100th title. The Serb was undermined by 32 unforced errors.
Arnaldi raised his arms and turned to the crowd after striking a winner that gave him a definite second-set break. Djokovic tried to hit right back and had three break points, but Arnaldi rallied to save his serve and finished off the three-time champion.
Arnaldi wrote “OMG” (Oh my god) on the camera when given the marker for the now customary message by the winner to the television audience.
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It was the first meeting between Djokovic and 44th-ranked Arnaldi of Italy.
The 37-year-old Djokovic has lost three matches in a row; the Miami final, and his opener to Alejandro Tabilo at the Monte Carlo Masters two weeks ago.
Djokovic is still seeking his first title of the season after winning his 99th title last August at the Paris Olympics. He has lost four finals since then. The only two players to reach the 100-title milestone are Jimmy Connors (109) and Roger Federer (103).
Arnaldi will next face Damir Dzumhur after he rallied past Sebastian Baez 1-6, 6-1, 6-2.
