The prestigious Doha ATP 500 offers a really interesting first round on Tuesday. Novak Djokovic – who returns from his left thigh injury suffered at the 2025 Australian Open – will make his debut in singles against Matteo Berrettini.

The Serbian legend – who made his debut with a brilliant victory in doubles together with Fernando Verdasco – face the former Italian Top 10, whom he has always defeated in the four clashes on the professional tour. Interestingly, three of their four matches were played in Grand Slam tournaments, all in 2021.

That year, the Serbian and the Italian faced each other in the quarterfinals of Roland Garros, in the quarterfinals of the US Open and above all in the final of the Wimbledon Championships.

The former world number 1 has always prevailed, but Matteo’s game can put anyone in difficulty, especially on fast surfaces. The Italian ace is no longer in his ‘prime’ and injuries have heavily affected him in recent years, but he is finding the right consistency and aspires to prestigious goals in 2025.

It will also be interesting to understand the physical shape of the 24-time Grand Slam champion, who has not been able to practice much in recent weeks due to a thigh injury and who may need some time to return to 100%.

Berrettini on facing Djokovic

During his press conference, Berrettini revealed his feelings before facing Nole: “If there is a good time to face a legend like Djokovic it is definitely in the first round, when he may not be in top form yet. I have never been able to defeat him, but this could be the right opportunity. I expect a very tough match, as it has always been every time I have faced it.

I know I’m going to have to play my best tennis to beat the greatest tennis player ever. I have practiced very well in the past few days, I feel a positive energy and I will do my best.”

Matteo’s 2025 season has not started in the best way, having won only one match so far.