“I don’t know if it’s because of the level we played, the stage, or the result, but it’s definitely the best match of my life”. Matteo Arnaldi told a packed Manolo Santana Stadium a few minutes after claiming the biggest win of his career by sinking the great Novak Djokovic in two sets, 6-3, 6-4.

The Italian was nervous when he stepped onto centre court, something he was not afraid to talk about immediately after causing the upset of the day: “I didn’t know what it would be like playing on centre court against Novak Djokovic. I started nervously, but my initial goal was simply to get the ball in and try to make Nole make mistakes. Luckily that’s what happened and I made a break really quickly that gave me confidence. Then I managed to up my level and to get through a great encounter”.

Matteo put in a genuinely great performance that had the local fans on their feet under the Madrid sun. Not without good reason; they were treated to quite the show. This is the first time the Italian has beaten the 24-time Grand Slam champion and his second win over a Top 5 player in eight matches. The first came on the same stage against Casper Ruud.

The Italian had some kind words for the three-time champion of Madrid: “Nole is a great champion, he’s not having his best moment, but he is a legend of this sport. Despite what they are saying, he is still one of the hot favourites wherever he goes, especially at the Grand Slams. Keeping up with him at Roland Garros will be a different prospect”.

Arnaldi, though, now has a different challenge ahead of him; sealing his career-best result at a Masters 1000. With a place in the quarterfinals at stake, he will now take on Damir Džumhur, who beat Argentina’s Sebastián Baez in three sets. The encounter represents a huge opportunity for both players to do something special in the Spanish capital.