Novak Djokovic faces 'new reality' after straight-sets defeat in first round of Madrid Open
After losing a second straight opening match and three in a row overall, Novak Djokovic said he was facing a “new reality” after playing two decades of pro tennis.
Djokovic's public coming to terms with his rare losing streak came after he fell in straight sets to Matteo Arnaldi in the first round of the Madrid Open on Sunday (AEST).
The 37-year-old came to Spain after also losing his opener to Alejandro Tabilo at the Monte Carlo Masters two weeks ago and, before that, the Miami Open final.
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“I was hoping I can play one more match than I played in Monte Carlo," Djokovic said.
"[It is] kind of a new reality for me, I have to say, trying to win a match or two, not really thinking about getting far in the tournament."
Novak Djokovic during his loss at the Madrid Open. Getty
The struggles by the winner of 24 grand slam titles coincide with the start of the clay-court swing culminating in the French Open next month.
“It’s a completely different feeling from what I had in 20-plus years," he said.
“It’s a challenge for me mentally to really face these kinds of sensations on the court, going out early now regularly in tournaments.”
Arnaldi won 6-3, 6-4, further delaying Djokovic’s search for a career 100th title as the Serb was undermined by 32 unforced errors to his opponent's 18.
It was the first meeting between Djokovic and 44th-ranked Arnaldi.
“He’s my idol, he’s always been,” the Italian said.
“To play him at a stage like this was already a victory for me. He’s not at his best right now, so I came on court to try to play my best tennis and win and it happened.”
Arnaldi raised his arms and turned to the crowd after striking a winner that gave him a 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.
Matteo Arnaldi and Novak Djokovic embrace after the match. Getty
He wrote “OMG” on the camera when given the marker for the now customary message by the winner to the television audience.
Arnaldi will next face Damir Dzumhur after he rallied past Sebastian Baez 1-6, 6-1, 6-2.
In other results, Australian star Alex de Minaur beat Lorenzo Sonego 6-2, 6-3 and moves on to play Denis Shapovalov after the Canadian defeated Kei Nishikori 6-1, 6-4.
Stefanos Tsitsipas fought back against Jan-Lennard Struff 3-6, 6-4, 6-3 and will face 10th-seeded Loranzo Musetti, who beat Tomas Martin Etcheverry 7-6 (3), 6-2.
