World No.1 Novak Djokovic has began his bid for a third title at the Qatar Open with an empathic 6-1, 6-2, win over Bosnia’s Damir Dzumhur in the first round.
The New Year’s day clash in Doha saw the Serbian top seed dominate proceedings from the onset. Breaking world No.47 Dzumhur four times in total during the 55-minute match. The mostly one-sided encounter saw Djokovic hit 24 winners to 13 unforced errors, as he won 80% of his first service points. Improving his overall win-loss record at the tournament to 13-1.
“It’s fantastic to be back (in Doha). To start off the tournament as I have tonight makes me feel very confident and also very happy.” Djokovic said during his on-court interview.
There were few problems for the Serbian against Dzumhur on Monday. Admirbally the Bosnian did display glimmers of his talent, but they were by no means consistent enough to trouble somebody of Djokovic’s calibre. Although his first serve did from from 76% to 48% between the two sets and Dzumhur won all four of the rallies that lasted 15 shots or more.
“I always try to come a couple of days early to this tournament, to have a couple of days of training and off-court activities,” explained Djokovic.
Awaiting Djokovic next week by Hungary’s Marton Fucsovics, who pushed him to four sets in their first round encounter at the US Open last year. Fucsovics moved into the last 16 of the draw after easing to a 6-3, 6-2, win over Romania’s Marium Copril.
On Wednesday Djokovic is set for double duty. Besides taking on Fucsovics for a place in the quarter-finals, he will play alongside his brother Marko in the doubles. Earlier this week the Brothers scored their first ever tour win together.
“I’m looking forward to it. Playing alongside my brother is always a pleasure.” Said the world No.1. “We don’t get to experience this very often. I think we have played together five times in our lives.
“We never won a match together until yesterday, so it was a special day.”
Coincidentally the Djokovic brothers will take on Dzumhur and Dusan Lajovic next.
Wawrinka through, Goffin out
Elsewhere at the tournament, three-time grand slam champion Stan Wawrinka held his nerve to edge his way past third seed Karen Khachanov 7-6(7), 6-4. The Swiss player remained unbroken throughout the entire match as he won 67% of his service points. Wawrinka’s win marked his first appearance at the tournament since 2007.
“I’m really happy. First match of the year, coming back to Doha after 10 years more or less, it was a great atmosphere tonight,” he said afterwards. “I’m really happy to be here and to have a chance to play one more match tomorrow.”
Wawrinka will next play Nicolas Jarry from Chile.
There was less fortune for sixth seed David Goffin, who was playing his first competitive match since returning from a right elbow injury that ended his 2018 season. Despite winning the first set, the Belgian crashed out 3-6, 6-4, 7-6(4), to Ricardas Berankis. Berankis, who is a former world junior No.1, came through two rounds of qualifying to reach the main draw.
