Berrettini beats Djokovic for first time

Italian number two Matteo Berrettini on notched his first win against many people's greatest ever tennis player, 24-time Slam winner Novak Djokovic of Serbia, CE Report quotes ANSA.

The 28-year-old Roman, who has been as high as world number six and is currently 35, avenged his Wimbledon final defeat to the Serb four years ago.

Berettini prevailed in the second round match in Doha by 7-6 6-2 in one hour and 35 minutes and qualified for the last 16 where he will face Dutch world number 43 Tallon Griekspoor, who beat him in Rotterdam last week.

Djokovic, 37, had been seeking his 100th career title after having to drop out of the Australian Open, which he has won 10 times, with injury at the semi-final stage last month.

"Beating Novak is one of the things I've aspired to do for years," said the tall Italian.

"I've played against him in some of the biggest tournaments in the world, it was an honor to share the court with him even if I would have liked to win at least one of those matches," said the former Wimbledon finalist.

"I've worked very hard to get back here and at this level, all the work done in the last few months has paid off, and it showed today.

"I just missed playing matches, especially like this one.

And the most important thing is that I enjoyed every moment."