Champion Novak Djokovic has hinted at the possibility of his recent loss in Madrid being potentially his last appearance at this prestigious tournament. The Serbian tennis icon faced an unexpected setback, losing to unseeded Italian Matteo Arnaldi in straight sets. This marks Djokovic's third consecutive defeat, signaling a shift in his professional journey. During a reflective moment post-match, Djokovic expressed uncertainty about returning to Madrid as a player, acknowledging that while he might not compete again, he still cherishes the memories and hopes for future involvement in different capacities.

The 37-year-old arrived in Madrid following a challenging few weeks marked by physical discomfort and disappointing results. His performance in Miami, initially promising, concluded with a tough defeat in the final. Subsequently, he stumbled in his opening match at the Monte Carlo Masters. Although previous losses were partly attributed to an eye infection contracted in Miami, this latest defeat showcased a lack of energy and rhythm rarely seen from the seasoned athlete. Acknowledging his diminished expectations heading into the tournament, Djokovic admitted to embracing a "new reality" where merely securing a couple of wins becomes a significant achievement.

Despite the setbacks, Djokovic remains optimistic about leveraging these experiences to fuel his aspirations in upcoming grand slam tournaments. He emphasized that while smaller competitions hold value, his primary focus remains on excelling in major championships like Roland Garros. Meanwhile, Arnaldi's victory highlights the emergence of fresh talent capable of challenging established players. On a positive note, British players Jacob Fearnley and Cameron Norrie delivered impressive performances, securing notable victories against ranked opponents. These achievements underscore the dynamism and unpredictability inherent in the world of professional tennis, offering fans glimpses of exciting developments ahead.