Novak is again in motion this week for the primary time since gathering his record-equalling twenty second Grand Slam title on the Australian Open.
High seed Novak Djokovic started his quest for a sixth Dubai crown on Tuesday.
The world no.1 improved to an ideal 13-0 file in 2023, following a tough fought 6-3, 3-6, 7-6 (1) victory over Tomas Machac in two hours and 27 minutes.
Novak was made to work arduous to succeed in the second spherical. He broke first for a 3-1 lead, however his rival fought again instantly. One other break by Djokovic adopted, this time it was sufficient for the top-seeded Serbian star to seal the primary set. The Czech qualifier took the second set to pressure a decider. The tie break needed to determine the winner, after the 2 had traded break as soon as within the third set. Novak got here by means of taking it convincingly, 7-1.
“Tomas definitely didn’t play like a 130 in world as we speak,” Djokovic mentioned. “He was giving me every kind of hassle. However i assume when it mattered, I discovered one other gear.”
Match statistics: aces (12-6), double faults (8-4), complete factors gained (104-90).
Novak will subsequent meet Tallon Griekspoor of the Netherlands (H2H 1-0, ATP #39), who defeated Frenchman Fixed Lestienne within the opener.
The 35-year-old Belgrade native has a 44-7 match file on the Dubai Responsibility Free Tennis Championships, an ATP 500 out of doors hard-court occasion, together with titles in 2009, 2010, 2011, 2013 and 2020.
You possibly can obtain Nole 2023 March desktop calendar right here.
Photograph: Profimedia
