Novak Djokovic got off to a flying start to breeze past Tommy Robredo 6-1 6-2 in the first round of the Dubai duty Free Tennis Championships. Djokovic clinched his 699th career win in Dubai.
The World Number 1 took a three-week rest from the tour after his sixth Australian Open title and his 11th at Grand Slam level but he did not show sign of being rusty as he dropped just three games in the 66-minute match against Tommy Robredo.
In his first match since beating Andy Murray in the Australian Open final Djokovic dropped just seven points on serve and converted four of his 13 break point opportunities. He broke Robredo twice in the second and the very long sixth game featuring six deuces to cruise through the first set in just 31 minutes. He dropped just five points on his serve and won more than half of Robredo’s points
In the first game of the second set Robredo had to save three break points in a 18-point game to hold his serve but dropped his serve at 1-1 at deuce as Djokovic hit a down-the-line backhand. The Serbian star got a double break in the fifth game for 4-1. Djokovic nevere looked back and wrapped up his first match in Dubai in 66 minutes. Djokovic hit 19 winners to 22 unforced errors. Robredo hit 7 winners to 28 unforced errors. The Spanish player won just two points on his return in the second set.
Djokovic will take on Malik Jaziri in the second round.
Djokovic hit 19 winners and won 24 of his 27 points played on his first serve and did not face a single break point.
Djokovic is looking to reach his 18th consecutive final in Dubai. He is bidding to win the Dubai ATP 500 title for the fifth time in his career in his 10th appearance in this tournament after lifting the trophy in 2009, 2010, 2011 and 2013.
In another match Vasek Pospisil overcame Lucas Pouille 6-3 5-7 6-4.
