Former world No 42 Malek Jaziri admitted it was special to have a chance to play against the likes of Roger Federer and Novak Djokovic in Dubai. This week, 39-year-old Jaziri played the final tournament of his career in Dubai.
10 years ago, Jaziri made his Dubai main draw debut, when Federer handed him a 5-7 6-0 6-2 defeat. Jaziri also got a chance to play Djokovic twice in Dubai – the Serb beat him in the round-of-16 in 2016 and in the first round in 2020, respectively.
“For sure I remember the matches against Novak. Full house. It’s amazing. I played Roger, the year I took a set. It is special as well. This tournament been very, very special for me,” Jaziri said, per Sportskeeda.
Jaziri grateful to have had a chance to play Federer, Djokovic
For this year’s Dubai tournament edition, Jaziri was given a main draw wildcard.
In the past, Jaziri had a bad luck of drawing top players in the early stages of Dubai. This year, Jaziri drew Alejandro Davidovich Fokina, who handed him a 6-2 6-0 loss in the first round. Reflecting on this year’s Dubai campaign, Jaziri joked this was the time when he wanted to draw Djokovic.
“Before they make the draw, actually I’m surprised I don’t play seeded 1 or No. 1. The year I wanted to play Novak, it doesn’t come,” Jaziri joked. Dubai will certainly always be a special tournament for Jaziri. In 2018, Jaziri made his first ATP semifinal in Dubai.
Back then, Jaziri stunned Stefanos Tsitsipas and Grigor Dimitrov before losing to Roberto Bautista Agut in the semifinal. “All good. I’m very thankful for everything. Thank you for my family, for the fans. Thank you for you guys.
All the coaches that been… For everyone help me from my beginning of career. I’m very thankful for everyone. Let’s see what’s next,” Jaziri said.
