Novak Djokovic said he had to face up to his “new reality” after another opening-match loss, this time to world No. 44 Matteo Arnaldi at the Madrid Open. “Trying to win a match or two, not really thinking about getting far in the tournament,

Novak Djokovic acknowledged he may have played his last match in Madrid after losing to Matteo Arnaldi in the opening round. This defeat marks his fourth consecutive early exit, prompting reflections on his future in professional tennis.

On Saturday, the 4-seed Djokovic took on unseeded Matteo Arnaldi in their first-ever meeting. Arnaldi defeated Djokovic in straight sets during their second-round match at the Madrid Open: 6-3, 6-4.