‘Not S*** My Pants’- Novak Djokovic’s Madrid Open Rival Unveils True Strategy Behind His Enormous Win Over Serbian

Facing Novak Djokovic across the net is a nightmare for most players, even the best ones. On Saturday, Matteo Arnaldi found himself living that exact moment at the Madrid Open. But instead of crumbling under pressure, the 24-year-old Italian pulled off the biggest win of his career, defeating the 24-time Grand Slam champion in straight sets and sending shockwaves through the Manolo Santana Stadium. While he looked ice-cold, beating his “idol,” Arnaldi soon revealed his true emotions going on underneath. So what did he say?

Arnaldi didn’t just beat any player — he beat the one he grew up idolizing. Like many of his generation, the Italian spent his childhood watching Djokovic’s battles against Roger Federer and Rafael Nadal. While he admired both the Swiss and the Spaniard, it was Djokovic’s success that truly inspired him to chase a career in tennis. Saturday’s match wasn’t just another day on tour; it was a dream come true.

Djokovic congratulated Arnaldi with an embrace at the net, and a still-stunned Arnaldi marked the moment by scribbling “OMG” on the camera lens.

Speaking after the match, Arnaldi couldn’t hide his excitement. “Yeah, pretty much without any doubt! He’s my idol, he’s always been. I was just glad that I could play him because I never played him; I just practised once with him. So playing him on a stage like this was already a victory for me,” the 24-year-old beamed.”But you know he’s not at his best right now so I came on court to try to play my best tennis and win. It happened. So right now I don’t even know what to say!”

Saturday also marked several other firsts for Arnaldi. Not only was it his maiden clash against Djokovic, but it was also his first time playing on the main Manolo Santana Stadium. He didn’t just survive the occasion — he thrived. As for how he handled the nerves, the Italian kept it real. When asked about his strategy stepping onto the court, he gave perhaps the most brutally honest answer of the tournament: “At the start, I was trying to just not s–t my pants to be honest.”

Matteo Arnaldi after beating Novak Djokovic in Madrid

“How did you attack it today from a strategy point of view?”

Matteo: “At the start I was trying to just not sh*t my pants to be honest.” pic.twitter.com/COS2Vnl7Dw

— The Tennis Letter (@TheTennisLetter) April 26, 2025

With the win, Arnaldi advanced to the third round of the Madrid Open for the second time in his career. Next up, he faces Damir Dzumhur for a spot in the last 16.

Meanwhile, Djokovic’s 2025 struggles continued. A three-time champion in Madrid and holder of a record 40 Masters 1000 titles, Nole once again fell short of lifting his elusive 100th career trophy. Since winning gold at the Paris Olympics in 2024, trophies have been surprisingly hard to come by. His season record now sits at 12-7 this season — respectable by most standards, but a far cry from the dominance that once seemed automatic.

Novak Djokovic faces “new reality” after Madrid Open loss

Earlier this year, Novak Djokovic had come agonizingly close to reaching the century mark in Miami, only to be denied by young Czech star Jakub Mensik in the final. Hoping for a reset on clay, the Serb started his campaign in Monte Carlo but was defeated by Alejandro Tabilo in straight sets. Now, after the Madrid loss to Arnaldi, his clay-court record stands at 0-2.

The 24-time Grand Slam champion had not lost three matches in a row since 2018, but now, he’s done it twice in 2025. Reflecting on the setback, Djokovic spoke openly about the mental shift he’s facing.

“I was hoping I can play one more match than I played in Monte-Carlo. [It’s] kind of a new reality for me, I have to say,” he said. “Trying to win a match or two, not really thinking about getting far in the tournament. It’s a completely different feeling from what I had in 20-plus years of professional tennis. It’s a challenge for me mentally to really face these kinds of sensations on the court, going out early now regularly in tournaments.”

Adding to the uncertainty, the 37-year-old even hinted that this might have been his last Madrid Open appearance, sparking fresh speculation about his retirement. The Serb is also tempering his expectations for Roland Garros.”I won’t be one of the main favorites at Roland Garros. Maybe that will help me, I don’t know,” Djokovic admitted.

Now, all eyes turn to Rome, the final Masters event before the French Open. Djokovic will be eager to find some rhythm before heading to Paris, where even he acknowledges the odds have changed. Matteo Arnaldi fulfilled a lifelong dream in Madrid, while Novak Djokovic continued to navigate unfamiliar territory. Will Rome be where Djokovic finally finds his missing spark? What do you think?

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