Novak failed to overcome his first obstacle at the Mutua Madrid Open and advance into the third round of the Masters event in the Spanish capital.
Italian Matteo Arnaldi, ranked 44th in the world, caused an upset in the second round by defeating the fourth seed 6-3, 6-4.
The match lasted one hour and 40 minutes and was marked by numerous unforced errors from the three-time Madrid champion (32 to 18).
Although Novak had a 40–15 lead on his serve in the second game, he allowed Arnaldi to win four consecutive points and break. The Serbian immediately broke back in the next game to level the score at 2–2. However, two consecutive double faults in the eighth game handed Arnaldi another break, which the Italian confirmed to close out the first set 6–3 after 48 minutes of play.
Arnaldi continued his strong defensive performance in the second set. He capitalized on another dip in Novak’s game in the seventh game to go up 4–3. Although Novak had three consecutive break points in the following game, Arnaldi saved them all, winning five straight points, and two games later sealed the biggest victory of his career – against his idol.
In the third round of Madrid, Arnaldi will face Damir Dzumhur of Bosnia and Herzegovina (ATP #63), who upset 32nd seed Sebastian Baez.
Novak’s next tournament is the Rome Masters, scheduled from May 7 to May 18.
Photo: Profimedia
