'NEW REALITY FOR ME': CAREER-FIRST PLACES DJOKOVIC IN LIMBO AFTER EARLY MADRID EXIT

(Getty/Irina. R Hipolito)

After a successful career spanning over two decades, the realisation of retirement is nearing for Novak Djokovic after another first-round exit.

The fourth-seed was outclassed by Italy's Matteo Arnaldi in the opening round of the Madrid Masters, falling in straight sets (6-3, 6-4).

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Another upset defeat has sparked concern amongst Djokovic fans, with the Serbian star losing in the opening round of his first seven tournaments for the first time in his career.

"It's kind of a new reality for me, just trying to win one match or two. That's the circle of life... Eventually it was going to happen," Djokovic told the press.

When asked if 2025 would be the last year he would appear in Madrid as a player, the 24-time Grand Slam winner replied: "It could be. It could be. I’m not sure if I will come back. So, I don’t know. I mean, I’ll come back, maybe not as a player, of course. I hope it’s not, but it could be."

After retiring hurt in his semi-final at the Australian Open, the 37-year-old has suffered losses in the first-round of Doha, Indian Wells, Monte Carlo and now Madrid.

For the first time since 2006, he has lost to six opponents ranked outside the world's top-30.

Djokovic is still expected to appear in Rome for the final Masters event on clay this year, in preparation for Roland-Garros.

Rome, which is an ATP and WTA 1000 event, begins in the second week of May.

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