World No.1 Novak Djokovic has continued his unbeaten start to 2020 with a comprehensive win in the first round of the Dubai Tennis Championships.
The 17-time grand slam champion experienced little difficulty throughout his 6-1, 6-2, win over wild card Malek Jaziri. A player who he has previously defeated in straight sets at the same tournament back in 2016. During their latest clash, Djokovic dictated proceedings from the onset with the help of an impressive service display. In total he won 83% of his first serves and converted four out of eight break point opportunities. Hitting 22 winners to 17 unforced errors.
“It was a great atmosphere with the Tunisian and Serbian fans.” Djokovic said during his on-court interview.
“I haven’t played in Dubai for three years and honestly, I have missed it. I love this court and this city. I have been coming to Dubai traditionally in the off-season to prepare for Australia.”
Playing in his first match since winning a record eighth title at the Australian Open last month, Djokovic went off guns blazing by claiming five games in a row. A total of 26 minutes passed before Jaziri managed to get himself onto the scoreboard. Despite a trio of double faults during the opening set, the Serbian experienced little trouble. Hitting a series of angle shots to dictate the rallies, Djokovic sealed the 6-1 lead on his first set point with the help of an ace down the centre of the court.
Despite his clinical start to the match, Djokovic faced more stern resistance at the start of the second frame. It wasn’t until the fifth game when he got his next break after a Jaziri produced a double fault whilst facing a break point to elevated the top seed to a set and 3-2 lead. From then on, Djokovic cruised towards the finish line with the help of yet another break in his favour. Tasked with serving out the match, he prevailed on his first match point with the help of another ace.
Djokovic extends his winning run in 2020 to 14 matches. Besides the Australian Open, he also guided his country to victory in the ATP Cup. So what is the secret to his successful start to the year?
“I just practice well, I guess.” Djokovic joked. “Obviously I work as hard as anybody else, but I think more importantly for me is working smart. Understanding what suits me the best in terms of routines, training and recovery in order to improve myself on and off the court.’
“At this stage of my career grand slams are my biggest priority, but I treat every tournament equally important and try to give my best.” He added.
Next up will be a meeting with Germany’s Phillip Kohlschriber in the second round. The world No.80 began his campaign with a roller coaster 4-6, 6-4, 6-0, win over Egypt’s Mohamed Safwat. Safwat struggled with a leg issue as the match progressed.
“I think I missed too many opportunities in the first set,” said Kohlschreiber “Well, he won the big points, served quite well on the breakpoints. I think I gave him too many easy mistakes. I was in quite a good position many times, but I missed quite easy shots.”
Djokovic leads Kohlschreiber 11-2 in their head-to-head. However, one of his losses to the 36-year-old occurred last year at the Indian Wells Masters. It will be their first meeting in Dubai.
“We have played (each other) many times and go back many years. We know each other pretty well.” The world No.1 commented on his next rival.
“I’ve seen him play today. He’s a very talented player and has an all-round game. I lost to him in Indian Wells last year, so he can deliver his best game on the centre court in big tournaments against the biggest players in the world.’
“I know what he is capable of and I will try to play my best tennis.”
This week Djokovic’s No.1 position is under threat from rival Rafael Nadal, who is playing at the Mexican Open. Should he fail to reach at least the semi-finals in Dubai, he could be knocked off the top spot if the Spaniard wins his tournament.
