In a dramatic post-match interview following his defeat to Matteo Berrettini at the Qatar Open, Novak Djokovic didn’t hold back in expressing his frustration with the referee, accusing him of bias and unfair officiating. The world No. 1’s comments have quickly garnered attention, as he openly demanded the International Tennis Federation (ITF) take appropriate action against the referee for what he perceived as a series of controversial calls that ultimately led to his loss.

Djokovic’s Accusations of Bias

Djokovic, who has been one of the most dominant players in tennis for over a decade, was visibly upset after his 6-4, 7-6 defeat to Berrettini in the second round of the Qatar Open. In his post-match interview, the Serbian tennis star pointed directly to the referee as a key factor in his loss.

“He was biased. The way he made certain calls, it was clear he had a preference, and that affected the match,” Djokovic said, his voice tinged with frustration. “I’ve been playing for so many years at the highest level, and I’ve never seen a referee make such poor decisions. It wasn’t just one call—it was a series of them. I’m not one to make excuses, but today, I felt like the officiating was against me.”

The accusations of bias stemmed from several controversial moments during the match, where Djokovic believed key decisions went against him at critical points. According to Djokovic, these calls ultimately disrupted his rhythm and led to the unfavorable outcome.

Calls for ITF Action

Following his remarks, Djokovic made it clear that he expected the ITF to take action regarding the referee’s performance during the match. “The ITF needs to review this,” he added. “We need to make sure that the referees who are officiating at this level are up to the task. If this is allowed to continue, it will have a negative impact on the sport. We need to ensure fairness for all players, regardless of their stature or status in the sport.”

While Djokovic’s comments were made in the heat of the moment, they quickly sparked widespread debate within the tennis community. Fans and analysts alike have been divided over the severity of his accusations, with some supporting his claims of unfair officiating, while others believe that Djokovic’s frustration was simply the result of a tough loss.

Berrettini’s Reaction and Support for the Referee

On the other side of the net, Matteo Berrettini, who advanced to the next round following his victory, was quick to downplay Djokovic’s claims. “I didn’t see anything out of the ordinary with the officiating. It was a tough match for both of us, but I think the referee did a good job in managing it,” Berrettini said in his own post-match interview.

The Italian player, who is known for his calm demeanor on the court, appeared unbothered by the controversy, focusing instead on his performance and the quality of his game. “I’m just happy with how I played today and how I was able to handle the pressure when it mattered,” he added.

The Bigger Picture: Refereeing in Tennis

This isn’t the first time that a high-profile player has criticized officiating at major tournaments. The debate over refereeing in tennis has been ongoing, with top players occasionally voicing concerns over inconsistent calls, challenges to their decisions, and the overall quality of officiating in matches. While the use of technology like Hawk-Eye has helped reduce errors in line-calling, controversial decisions still arise during key moments of matches.

The ITF, which oversees the rules and regulations for tennis tournaments, has yet to release a statement on Djokovic’s accusations, but it is expected that the organization will review the match and the referee’s performance as part of its regular protocol. Some experts believe that the outcome of the match should not be overshadowed by the controversy over the officiating, and that Djokovic should channel his energy into improving his game rather than pointing fingers at the referee.

What’s Next for Djokovic and the Qatar Open

As Djokovic moves on from his defeat, his focus will likely shift to his upcoming matches on the ATP tour. The loss to Berrettini in Qatar represents a rare setback for the Serbian star, and he will undoubtedly be looking to bounce back quickly as the season progresses. While the controversy surrounding the referee is unlikely to die down anytime soon, Djokovic’s response to the loss will be a key moment in how he navigates adversity in the coming months.

For now, the tennis world remains divided over the accusations of bias, with Djokovic’s passionate defense of his case fueling the debate about fairness in officiating. As the Qatar Open continues, all eyes will be on the ITF’s response to the claims and whether any further action is taken regarding the referee’s conduct.

In the end, one thing is clear: the drama surrounding Djokovic’s loss to Berrettini has added another layer of intrigue to an already exciting tournament, and the fallout from this incident is sure to continue in the days ahead.