Arnaldi, about Djokovic: "I know his game very well, that has played in my favor"

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It was the only big name left standing in the main draw of the 2025 Mutua Madrid Open, but it didn't last long. A great Matteo Arnaldi stepped up at the Caja Mágica to dispel any spells from Novak Djokovic. The Serbian left the court with a smile, but the one brimming with happiness was the Italian, who found his best tennis to overcome his idol in a two-set match.

Somewhat incredulous on the court, Arnaldi couldn't quite find an answer to how he had achieved it. However, with some perspective, the world number 43 Italian went to the press conference to explain in words what a victory like this means to him, in addition to his expectations and feelings.

"I don't know what to say. At first, I was just happy to play against him, he has always been my idol, so I was happy to step onto the court with him and play a match. Once you're out there, you don't think about that anymore. I was nervous at the beginning. Then I broke his serve right at the start, and I was sure he would break back. Then I relieved the tension and was able to play my game, trying to enjoy it."

Being a Djokovic fan played in his favor

"I have watched many of his matches, I know his game very well, that plays in my favor, because I don't think he has ever seen me play, maybe on some occasion. I have watched all of his matches, and today it served me well. At various moments, I knew what he was going to do. He's not at his best moment, still playing well, he's a different player.

When you see him on TV it's completely different from when you face him. I knew what I was going to do, but in a match there are many factors to consider that you can't control. I know him very well because I have watched many of his matches. I knew some things he could do in the match".

His most special victory?

"Yes, without a doubt. I am very happy with the victory. I don't know if it's the best victory in terms of my level, but I have no doubt that it is the most special because of the player I was facing".

Do you consider Djokovic a favorite for Roland Garros?

"In a best-of-five it's a different story, for me, he will still be one of the favorites".

This news is an automatic translation. You can read the original news, Arnaldi, sobre Djokovic: "Conozco muy bien su juego, eso ha jugado a mi favor"