Novak Djokovic registers first win of the season in Dubai
World number one Novak Djokovic on Monday made a successful return to the tour with Dubai Tennis Championship. Following his deportation from Australia last month, Djokovic kicked off the 2022 season with a thumping 6-3, 6-3 win over Italian teenager Lorenzo Musetti in a packed Dubai Duty Free Tennis Stadium. The Serb was met with a loud cheer from the crowd on his return.
Why does this story matter?
Djokovic is aiming to lift his sixth title in the Emirates this week. His performance in the ongoing Dubai Open is also important for his number one stature in the ATP rankings, which is under threat from the 2022 Australian Open runner-up Daniil Medvedev. With this win, the 20-time Grand Slam champion has improved his record in Dubai to 42-6.
Key stats from the match
Djokovic hammered five aces as compared to three by his younger opponent. Both Djokovic and Musetti made two double faults. The Serbian star won 79% points on the first serve and 74% points on the second serve. Musetti, meanwhile, won 61% points on first serve and 65% on returning serve. Djokovic won three breakpoints. Overall, he won 61 points while Musetti managed 44.
What's next for Djokovic?
Djokovic sealed his first victory of 2022 in just 74 minutes. Djokovic will next take on either Russian player Karen Khachanov or Australia's Alex de Minaur in the second round of the Dubai Tennis Championship.
How did Djokovic fare in 2021?
Djokovic went on to win five titles - ATP Masters 1000 Paris, Wimbledon, Roland Garros, Belgrade 2, and Australian Open - in 2021. He finished as the runner-up in the US Open and ATP Masters 1000 Rome, losing against Daniil Medvedev and Rafael Nadal respectively. He had an impressive 55-7 win/loss ratio on the ATP tour last year.
Djokovic satisfied after an impressive win
Djokovic said he couldn't pick a better place to kick start the season. "A pleasant experience. I couldn't pick a better place to kick start the season - it was the best possible experience tonight," said Djokovic. "All in all, it's a straight-set win so of course I have to be satisfied, especially after not playing for two and a half, almost three months."
