In a stunning turn of events at the 2025 Madrid Masters, Novak Djokovic suffered a shocking defeat in his opening match, sparking fierce criticism from Italian rising star Matteo Arnaldi. The young player not only condemned Djokovic’s performance but also exposed a controversial moment that has left the tennis world buzzing — Djokovic reportedly refused to shake Arnaldi’s hand after the match.

Djokovic, a 24-time Grand Slam champion and one of the sport’s greatest icons, entered Madrid hoping to regain form after a series of lackluster performances earlier in the year. However, his match against Arnaldi turned into a disaster. The 21-year-old Italian dominated the court with blistering forehands and aggressive net play, leaving Djokovic struggling and ultimately falling in straight sets: 6-2, 6-3.

Speaking to the media after his breakthrough victory, Arnaldi did not hold back in criticizing the Serbian legend’s behavior.
“I have always respected Novak for everything he has achieved,” Arnaldi said. “But today, it was very disappointing. Not just because of the way he played, but because after the match, he refused to shake my hand. That’s not what you expect from a champion.”

The snub quickly became a talking point across social media, with fans and analysts debating whether Djokovic’s actions reflected frustration, arrogance, or something deeper. Videos circulating online appear to show Djokovic walking past Arnaldi at the net without offering the traditional handshake, a gesture considered a cornerstone of sportsmanship in tennis.

Some fans defended Djokovic, suggesting that he might have been dealing with physical issues or emotional distress following the loss. Others, however, agreed with Arnaldi, calling the move disrespectful and unbecoming of a player of Djokovic’s stature.

“He looked completely out of it,” one commentator noted. “But refusing a handshake is a big statement in tennis. It sends a terrible message, especially to young players like Arnaldi who grew up idolizing him.”

For Arnaldi, the incident seemed to overshadow what should have been one of the proudest moments of his career.
“I understand that losing is hard, especially when you’re used to winning everything,” Arnaldi added. “But respect should always come first, no matter what. I hope he reflects on it.”

The controversy has reignited ongoing debates about Djokovic’s future in the sport. At 37, questions have been mounting about whether the Serbian star can continue competing at the highest level. His sluggish movement, uncharacteristic unforced errors, and apparent emotional volatility during the match against Arnaldi fueled speculation that retirement might be closer than previously thought.

Many tennis insiders are now openly wondering if it’s time for Djokovic to step away from professional tennis.
“Retire, Nole,” one prominent sports journalist posted bluntly. “He has nothing left to prove. Better to go out with dignity than to tarnish a legendary career.”

Djokovic himself has yet to publicly comment on the handshake controversy or his future plans. However, his team issued a brief statement suggesting that he was “physically unwell” during the match and apologizing for “any perceived breach of sportsmanship.”

Meanwhile, Arnaldi’s star continues to rise. His performance in Madrid, coupled with his composed response to the drama, has earned him widespread praise and new fans around the world.

“This is just the beginning,” Arnaldi said confidently. “I want to keep improving and competing with the best. Today was a big step, but there’s so much more to come.”

As the dust settles in Madrid, one thing is clear: the tennis world is witnessing a dramatic generational shift — and not even Novak Djokovic is immune to the inevitable passage of time.