In a dramatic turn of events following his surprising victory against Berrettini, Novak Djokovic’s opponent Matteo Berrettini held a press conference where he issued a shocking warning to the Serbian tennis legend, sparking a wave of divided opinions among fans and the tennis community. While Djokovic continues to dominate in their past encounters, Berrettini made it clear that he believes this could be the right moment to challenge Djokovic and break his long-standing record.

Berrettini’s Bold Statement and Warning

During the pre-match press conference, Matteo Berrettini shared his thoughts on facing Djokovic and boldly declared that the best opportunity to face a legend like Djokovic might be in the early rounds, when the Serb could be less prepared than usual. Berrettini said: “If there’s ever a perfect time to face a legend like Djokovic, it’s definitely in the first round, when he may not be at his highest level. I’m aware that he has a lot of momentum behind him, but sometimes early-round matches are tricky, especially if you’re not completely at your peak.”

“I’ve never beaten Djokovic, but this could be the right opportunity for me,” Berrettini continued. “I’m expecting an extremely tough match, just like every time we’ve faced each other. I know I need to play my best tennis to beat the greatest player of all time. I’ve been practicing really well these past few days, feeling a lot of positive energy, and I’m going to give it my all.”

Berrettini’s warning to Djokovic comes as a bold challenge, with many fans expressing differing opinions on whether this is a realistic statement or simply wishful thinking from the Italian player. His message has left many intrigued, and it seems to have added fuel to their already intense rivalry.

Djokovic’s Dominance in Their Past Encounters

Djokovic and Berrettini have faced each other four times in their careers, with Djokovic having won every match. Their previous encounters have all been at major tournaments, with the most significant being the 2021 Wimbledon final where Djokovic claimed the victory in straight sets, further cementing his dominance over Berrettini.

Despite Berrettini’s evident desire to reverse the outcome of their past meetings, the current state of both players’ form leads many to believe that Djokovic still holds the upper hand. While Berrettini has shown flashes of brilliance in his career, especially during his breakout season, Djokovic’s consistency, mental toughness, and experience in high-pressure situations make him a formidable opponent.

As the tennis world eagerly awaits their fifth encounter, many are wondering if this will be the match where Berrettini finally manages to dethrone the Serbian giant, or if Djokovic will continue to showcase his superiority on the court.

Djokovic’s Confidence and Momentum Ahead of the Match

While Berrettini’s warning may have made headlines, Djokovic seems to be heading into the tournament with significant confidence. The Serbian star began his 2025 season at the Qatar Open with great success, partnering with veteran Fernando Verdasco in the men’s doubles and securing a comfortable win in their opening round. This smooth start has set the stage for Djokovic as he now prepares for the singles event, where he is seeded as the No. 3 player, further strengthening his position as a strong contender for the title.

Djokovic’s positive momentum and recent form suggest that he is not only prepared for Berrettini’s challenge but is also ready to take on any opponent standing in his way. His calm and methodical approach, combined with his unparalleled ability to perform under pressure, makes him a dangerous force on the court. Fans will be watching closely to see whether Berrettini can finally get the better of him or if Djokovic will continue his dominance over the Italian.

The Stakes Are High for Berrettini

For Berrettini, this encounter with Djokovic represents more than just another match; it is an opportunity to silence his critics and prove that he has what it takes to compete with the best in the world. With a clear awareness of the enormity of the task at hand, Berrettini has made it clear that he is approaching the match with a focused mindset and a determination to play at the highest level.

This will undoubtedly be one of the most talked-about matchups of the season, and both players will carry the weight of expectation into the match. Whether Berrettini can overcome the odds and finally secure a victory against Djokovic remains to be seen, but there is no doubt that the stakes are higher than ever for both players.

Conclusion: Can Berrettini Defeat Djokovic, or Will the Serbian Continue His Dominance?

While Berrettini’s warning has certainly raised eyebrows, it’s important to remember that Djokovic’s record against him speaks for itself. The Serbian star’s dominance in their past meetings is undeniable, and he enters this match with the confidence of a four-time Grand Slam champion.

That being said, tennis is a sport of unpredictability, and Berrettini’s statement shows that he’s not going to back down easily. With a strong desire to prove himself, he could very well make this the match where he finally beats Djokovic, or it could be another dominant performance from the world No. 3.

As the match approaches, all eyes will be on these two fierce competitors, and fans around the world will be eagerly awaiting the outcome of what promises to be an intense and exciting showdown.