Djokovic crashes out in Madrid, uncertain about future appearances
The fourth-seeded Djokovic, who was seeking a 100th career title, suffered a second consecutive opening-round loss following his early exit in Monte Carlo two weeks ago.
Novak Djokovic admitted that his 6-3, 6-4 defeat to Matteo Arnaldi in the second round of the Madrid Open could mark his last-ever appearance in the Spanish capital, leaving the future of his career in doubt.
The fourth-seeded Djokovic, who was seeking a 100th career title, suffered a second consecutive opening-round loss following his early exit in Monte Carlo two weeks ago. After his defeat, Djokovic was asked if this might be his final appearance in Madrid, to which he responded, "It could be. It could be. I'm not sure if I will come back. So, I don't know. I mean, I'll come back, maybe not as a player, of course. I hope it's not, but it could be."
Arnaldi, ranked 44th in the world, achieved just the second top-five victory of his career with the win, and celebrated with a message of "OMG" written on the camera lens. The 24-year-old Italian initially squandered a 2-0 lead but broke Djokovic's serve again in the eighth game of the first set, which he wrapped up in 48 minutes.
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Djokovic, struggling with 20 unforced errors in the first set and 32 overall in the match, admitted he was facing a "new reality" in his career. "My expectations were not big at all, to be honest. I was hoping I could play one more match than I did in Monte Carlo," said the 24-time Grand Slam champion. "I'm trying to accept a new reality, trying to win a match or two, not really thinking about getting far in the tournament. But that's, I guess, the circle of life and the career; eventually, it was going to happen."
Swiatek cruises into last-16 with routine victory
Defending champion Iga Swiatek enjoyed a more straightforward third-round victory in Madrid, beating Czech Linda Noskova 6-4, 6-2 in just one hour and 17 minutes. The Polish world number one said she was pleased with her mental focus during the match, particularly her ability to "problem-solve" throughout.
"I'm happy with my focus and with the way I kept problem-solving until the end of the match," said Swiatek, who will now face Russian Diana Shnaider in the last-16.
Musetti, Gauff and Keys progress as major seeds advance
Lorenzo Musetti continued his fine form, dispatching Argentina's Tomas Etcheverry 7-6 (7/3), 6-2 to secure his place in the third round, where he will meet Stefanos Tsitsipas. The Greek world number 18 progressed after a hard-fought 3-6, 6-4, 6-3 win over Jan-Lennard Struff.
On the women's side, Coco Gauff eased past American compatriot Ann Li 6-2, 6-3, setting up a clash with Swiss Olympic gold medalist Belinda Bencic. Seventh-seeded Mirra Andreeva continued her impressive season, defeating Polish 27th seed Magdalena Frech 7-5, 6-3 to reach the fourth round. The 17-year-old Russian, who has already claimed titles in Dubai and Indian Wells this year, will meet Ukrainian qualifier Yulia Starodubtseva next.
