Novak Djokovic and Daniil Medvedev have been among the players to beat this season. Djokovic and Medvedev are 26-2 in 2023, winning two titles each and seeking another in Dubai. Daniil conquered Rotterdam and Doha in back-to-back weeks and returned to the top-7 after dropping out from the top-10 after the Australian Open.
The Russian beat Andy Murray in the title match in Doha and did not check the Dubai draw. He discovered he could meet Novak Djokovic in the semi-final and praised world no. 1. Medvedev stated that Djokovic barely loses matches and called every duel against the Serb a massive challenge.
Daniil and Novak have met 13 times, with the more experienced player earning nine victories. Novak lost the 2021 US Open final to Daniil in straight sets, cracking under pressure but fixing that in their upcoming duels. Djokovic has won their previous four encounters, including the most recent one in the Adelaide semi-final at the start of the season.
Novak scored a 6-3, 6-4 victory despite the issues with his left leg. Djokovic served at 57% and drew the most from it. He played superbly after landing the first serve in and kept the pressure on the other side after fending off all three break points.
Both players won 16 return points, and Novak turned his into two breaks from three opportunities, enough to seal the deal and preserve his body for the title clash. Novak made a strong start in the opener and broke Daniil in the fourth game for a 3-1 advantage.
Daniil Medvedev praised Novak Djokovic ahead of their potential Dubai clash.
The Serb experienced a left thigh injury and took a medical timeout. He saved a break point in game seven and closed the opener on his serve at 5-3 for a massive boost.
Both players served well in the second set’s opening six games before Novak grabbed a break that sent him in front. The Serb defended two break chances at 4-3 and held at 15 at 5-4 to emerge at the top. Djokovic and Medvedev will be on the court in Dubai on Tuesday.
The Serb faces a qualifier Tomas Machac, while the Russian plays against a lucky loser Matteo Arnaldi. “I have yet to see the Dubai draw. I usually do not care, and I did not check the Doha draw while I was in Rotterdam. I do not know who I’m playing with and who is in Novak’s part of the draw.
I have to take it match by match, and I can meet Novak in the semi-final, according to you. It would be a great challenge because Novak barely loses. He should be in the semi-final unless someone plays the match of his life and beats him.
Dubai always has a strong draw, and I will try to be at 100% physically; that’s crucial now. If you are not at your best, it’s tough to beat anyone,” Daniil Medvedev said.
