Novak Djokovic’s career has long been synonymous with excellence. One of the greatest legends of modern sport, the Balkan has set countless all-time records on the ATP Tour, to the point where victory used to be the expected outcome practically every time he took to the court.

Now, as he closes in on his 38th birthday, Nole is having to deal with a new set of circumstances. Unlike at any other time in his career, defeat and victory now come hand-in-hand. The Serb, who bowed out of the Mutua Madrid Open in his first match is handling his new reality with the same strength of mind that carried him to such success over the last two decades of his career.

“I have to say that this is a new reality for me”, said the Balkan, who has a 21-7 record so far in 2025. “Trying to win a match or two, not really thinking about getting far in the tournament is a completely different feeling from what I had in 20-plus years of professional tennis. It’s kind of a challenge for me mentally to really face these kinds of sensations on the court, going out early now regularly in the tournaments. I guess it’s the circle of life and of a career. Eventually it was going to happen. I’m trying to use this as a driving force for the future”.

That fire in his belly was not enough to hold back the barrage of shots today from Matteo Arnaldi, the victor of their intense clash in the Manolo Santana Stadium. The Italian, who had only claimed one Top 5 scalp in his career, dug deep to topple the three-time champion on the clay of the Spanish capital.

“In the last 20 years I haven’t experienced what I’m experiencing in the last 12 months”, explained Djokovic with great humility after his match. “I’ve had way too many early exits like this. But it is part of the sport, and you have to accept the circumstances and try to use it to your advantage. I cannot sit here and complain about my career or anything. But it’s a different feeling that I just have to embrace, accept, and deal with in a special way”.

The Balkan, the most decorated male player at ATP Masters 1000 events, with 40 titles, leaves the Caja Magica empty handed, but he has taken the blow on the chin. Despite the situation, Djokovic continues to look forward.

“I’m always trying to be optimistic, and I know what I’m capable of. But again, things are different, obviously, with my strokes, with my body, with my movement. It’s the reality that I have to accept. I’ll try to make the most of these new circumstances, particularly in Grand Slams, where it counts the most for me, at least where I would like to do my best. So let’s see what happens”.

“Pressure is part of the sport and part of what we do at this highest level, so it’s never going to go away. It’s just a different kind of pressure. But every time I step on the court I feel the nerves, I feel stress, I feel everything that I guess all the other players feel, and excitement as well. I still like to compete, but it has become a bit more challenging for me”, added Nole.