Arnaldi Dumps 'idol' Djokovic Out Of Madrid

Novak Djokovic's bid for a 4th Madrid Masters title is complete aft he was beaten 6-3 6-4 successful nan 2nd information by Italian Matteo Arnaldi.

It was a first profession triumph against a top-five subordinate for Arnaldi, 24, who was facing nan Serbian 4th seed for nan first time.

"He's my idol, he's ever been, truthful I was conscionable gladsome that I could play him," Arnaldi said.

"To play him connected a shape for illustration this was already a triumph for me.

"But he's not astatine his champion correct now truthful I came connected tribunal to effort to play my champion tennis and triumph and it happened, truthful correct now I don't moreover cognize what to say."

Three-time champion Djokovic, 37, made 32 unforced errors against an force who brought a bid of delightful shots retired of nan container throughout.

It meant a 3rd consecutive conclusion for nan 24-time Grand Slam winner, who mislaid successful his opening lucifer successful Monte Carlo earlier this period aft being beaten successful nan Miami Masters last successful March.

Also progressing to nan adjacent information pinch Arnaldi are British duo Cameron Norrie and Jacob Fearnley.

British number 3 Norrie, who is recovering from illness, started slow against Czech Jiri Lehecka earlier winning 2-6 6-4 6-0.

British number 2 Fearnley likewise mislaid his first group earlier overcoming different Czech successful top-20 seed Tomas Machac, booking his transition to nan adjacent information pinch a 1-6 6-3 6-2 victory.