Novak returns to action in Dubai, faces qualifier in Round 1 – Novak Djokovic

4 weeks after lifting the record-extending tenth Norman Brookes Problem Cup on the Australian Open, Nole is ready to return to courtroom in Dubai.

5-time former champion and world no.1 Novak Djokovic returns to motion subsequent week in Dubai the place he received the ATP 500 event in 2009-11, 2013 and 2020.

The occasion takes place on the Aviation Membership Tennis Centre (February 27-March 4).

Novak will open his Dubai Obligation Free Tennis Championships marketing campaign in opposition to Czech qualifier Tomas Machac (ATP #120).

The highest-seeded Serbian star might meet both Fixed Lestienne (FRA) or Tallon Griekspoor (NED) within the second spherical.

His potential rivals within the later levels of the event are:

Quarter-finals: Hubert Hurkacz (POL, 5), Andy Murray (GBR)Semi-finals: Daniil Medvedev (RUS, 3), Borna Coric (CRO, 8)Finals: Andrey Rublev (RUS, 2), Felix Auger-Aliassime (CAN, 4), Karen Khachanov (RUS, 6), Alexander Zverev (GER, 7)

Novak is making his thirteenth look (43-7 file), aiming for his sixth crown.

Final yr he was stopped by Czech Jiri Vesely within the quarter-final (4-6, 6-7).

Photograph: Profimedia