World number one tennis player Novak Djokovic, suffered his first defeat of the year 2023 when falling this Friday in his Semi-final at the Dubai ATP 500 tournament against the russian Daniel Medvedev in two sets, by 6-4 and 6-4.
The Serbian, winner of the Australian Open -his 22nd Grand Slam title-, saw cut So his 20 game winning streakin this duel against a former number one in the world like Medvedev, who currently occupies seventh place in the ATP ranking.
Djokovic reappeared this week in Dubai after a month of hiatusjust after his title in Melbourne.
Until this Semifinal, the role of ‘Djoko’ in Dubai was impeccabledespite having lost a set to the Czech Tomas Machac in the first round.
Djokovic ran into the solidity of Medvedev again and again in their Semifinal, without finding the path of comeback.
“When you play Novak you have to do your best tennis. I’m happy that I got to his level.”
The big question now for Djokovic is whether he will be authorized to enter the United States without being vaccinated against covid-19, to be able to play in Indian Wells (March 8-19) and Miami (March 22-April 2). The US authorities extended until April the obligation for foreign visitors to have received an approved vaccine against covid.
The Final in Dubai will be 100% Russian, since Medvedev will be measured in it the current champion in the Emirati city, Andrey Rublev (number 6 in the world), what in the first semifinal defeated into german Alexander Zverev (16th) by 6-3 and 7-5 (11/9).
Its the first time after six confrontations in which Rublev prevails against the German. He achieved victory in the tie-break after nearly two hours of play.
“I don’t really know how I did it, I thought there would be a third set, I was preparing myself mentally. Zverev played my match points very well.”
Reigning champion in Dubai, Andrey Rublev can win his first title of the year 2023 on Saturday.
Dubai ATP Tournament
– Individuals – Semifinals:
Daniil Medvedev (RUS/N.3) defeated Novak Djokovic (SRB/N.1) 6-4, 6-4
Andrey Rublev (RUS/N.2) defeated Alexander Zverev (GER/N.7) 6-3, 7-6 (11/9)
