Novak Djokovic suffered a defeat upon his return to singles action in straight sets by Matteo Berrettini at the Qatar Open on Tuesday.

In a repeat of the 2021 Wimbledon final, which Djokovic won, Berrettini exacted revenge on the 24-time grand slam winner, emerging a 7-6 (7-4) 6-2 victor in one hour and 34 minutes.

The pair traded blows in the opening set, with both squandering break points in the back-to-back games as a tie-break decided who would take the early lead.

And it was Berrettini who edged in front, with the Italian using his early momentum to surge into a 3-0 lead in the second to put Djokovic on the brink of defeat.

Though Djokovic rallied, the damage had already been done. Berrettini closed out the contest, making no mistake at the second time of asking after failing to convert his first match point when the Serbian great went long off a forehand.

Berrettini will face Tallon Griekspoor, who he lost to in the first round in Rotterdam earlier this month, in the round of 16.

Djokovic, meanwhile, is set to continue in the doubles alongside Fernando Verdasco, as his wait for a 100th ATP Tour-level singles title goes on.

Breathtaking Berrettini @MattBerrettini blazes to a 7-6(4) 6-2 triumph for a first ever victory over Djokovic@QatarTennis | #QatarExxonMobilOpen pic.twitter.com/HNQZAWtlQh
— ATP Tour (@atptour) February 18, 2025

Earlier in the day, Alex de Minaur brought up his 200th hard-court win with a 6-1 7-5 victory over Roman Safiullin, and will play Botic Van de Zandschulp in the next round.

He will be joined by Daniil Medvedev, with the world number six beating Karen Khachanov 4-6 7-5 6-3, with Belgian Zizou Bergs up next.

Data Debrief: First-time delight for Berrettini

Not many would have predicted Berrettini to cause an upset against Djokovic upon the latter's return to action from an injury sustained at the Australian Open.

Indeed, Berrettini claimed a first victory over Djokovic at the fifth time of asking, and did so in style. The 28-year-old won 85% (40/47) of his first-serve points, along with firing 13 aces to his opponent's nine.

He also struck 19 forehand winners as he collected his first win over a top-10 opponent since January 2023.