The 2025 Madrid Open delivered a stunning upset when Novak Djokovic, the 24-time Grand Slam champion, fell in the opening round to Italy’s Matteo Arnaldi, marking a rare early exit for the Serbian tennis icon. The 3-6, 4-6 defeat on the clay courts of the Caja Mágica sent shockwaves through the tennis world, sparking debates about the 37-year-old’s form as he chases his 100th career title. Yet, amid the chatter, an unexpected voice rose in Djokovic’s defense: US Congresswoman Claudia Tenney, a Republican representing New York’s 24th district. In a passionate message, Tenney reaffirmed her belief in Djokovic’s status as the greatest of all time (GOAT), elevating the conversation beyond the court and into the realm of cultural and political discourse.
Djokovic’s loss to Arnaldi, ranked outside the top 30, was his second consecutive opening-round defeat on clay, following a similar stumble at the Monte-Carlo Masters. The Serbian, who has dominated tennis for over a decade, admitted the result stung. “I lost to a better player. I’ve had a few of these this year where I lose in the first round, unfortunately,” he said in a post-match interview, his tone reflective. He described the experience as a “kind of new reality,” a stark contrast to the unshakable confidence that defined his career. “It’s a completely different feeling from what I had in 20-plus years of professional tennis, so it’s kind of a challenge for me mentally to face these kind of sensations on the court,” he added, acknowledging the psychological toll of early exits.
Tenney, a vocal supporter of Djokovic, took to social media to counter the skeptics questioning his dominance. “@DjokerNole doesn’t have to prove anything more to me. He’s already the greatest tennis player of all time and in my opinion, the best professional athlete of all time,” she wrote, her words resonating with fans who see Djokovic’s 24 Grand Slam titles—tying Margaret Court’s all-time record—as irrefutable evidence of his supremacy. Tenney, known for her alignment with conservative values, has previously championed Djokovic, notably criticizing his 2022 US Open exclusion due to vaccine policies as “absolutely despicable.” Her latest defense underscores Djokovic’s broader cultural impact, particularly among those who view him as a symbol of resilience against adversity.
Djokovic’s 2025 season has been a mixed bag. A hamstring injury at the Australian Open disrupted his early campaign, and a shocking loss to 19-year-old Jakub Mensik in the Miami Open final halted his pursuit of a milestone 100th title. Despite these setbacks, his historic 2024 Paris Olympic gold medal, defeating Carlos Alcaraz in a gripping final, completed his “Golden Slam” and silenced critics who pointed to the absence of an Olympic singles title in his resume. Indian tennis legend Rohan Bopanna recently praised Djokovic’s consistency and impact, saying, “The way he has been so consistent over the years has been incredible. Novak has managed to overcome so many barriers.” Bopanna also called him the most impactful player ever, citing his record 40 Masters 1000 titles and 428 weeks as world No. 1.
The Madrid loss has raised concerns about Djokovic’s clay-court preparation for the French Open, where he aims to break Court’s Grand Slam record. Serena Williams’ former coach Rennae Stubbs voiced worries about his confidence, noting, “Do I think he can still win a Slam? Of course! He’s the greatest player of all time BUT it’s getting harder & harder every week because I don’t care who u are, you can’t buy confidence!” Yet, Djokovic remains undeterred, eyeing the Italian Open as a chance to regain momentum. His ability to thrive in hostile environments, as John McEnroe once observed, has been a hallmark of his career. “He’s the greatest that I’ve ever seen, by far, when the crowd is against him,” McEnroe said, recalling Djokovic’s knack for turning boos into fuel.
Tenney’s outspoken support highlights Djokovic’s polarizing yet transcendent presence. From his childhood in war-torn Serbia to his unmatched Grand Slam haul, his journey resonates with those who admire his defiance of odds. As he prepares for Rome and Paris, the tennis world watches to see if the Serbian warrior can reclaim his clay-court dominance and further cement the GOAT status that Tenney and countless fans fiercely defend.