Matteo Arnaldi has long admired Novak Djokovic, a player he considers his greatest inspiration in tennis. The Italian, who grew up watching the Serbian legend dominate the sport, recalls how his fascination with Djokovic began in 2011, a year when the world No. 1 went on an incredible 41-match winning streak.
“I was around 10 years old when I started watching and it was 2011 and Djokovic had that amazing year, winning 40 matches in a row or more,” Arnaldi said. “After that, I started following him closely. At school, I was watching every match. He stayed at the top for many years, and growing up, I started to appreciate him more — his style, how he played. Just watching him on TV was special.”
Arnaldi acknowledges the greatness of the other members of the “Big Four”—Roger Federer, Rafael Nadal, and Andy Murray—but admits that Djokovic was the one who captivated him the most. His admiration grew as he progressed in his own career, eventually finding himself at the same tournaments as his idol.
“The past couple of years I was at the same tournaments but never got the chance to play him. I practised with him in Rome. I warmed him up for a first-round match in 2022. That was one of my first experiences at a Masters 1000. Just being around was already a big thing for me and now to have the chance to play him, I’m very happy,” Arnaldi shared.
Now, as he prepares to face Djokovic for the first time, Arnaldi is embracing the moment with excitement. “It will be my first time playing against one of the ‘Big Four’, so I am happy as you never know if you get the chance,” he said.
For Arnaldi, this match is more than just a competition—it is the realization of a childhood dream. Whether he wins or loses, stepping onto the court against Djokovic is a moment he will cherish forever.
Arnaldi in Madrid, ranking, and results in 2025
Now ranked no.44, Arnaldi has achieved a composed 10-9 win-loss record in 2025. Matteo is currently having a run in Madrid where he defeated the world no.104 Borna Coric 4-6 6-4 7-5 and the world no.5 Novak Djokovic 6-3 6-4.
Matteo Arnaldi will take on the world no.63 Damir Dzumhur in the 3rd round. They have never competed against each other till now on the main tour.