Novak Djokovic takes big risk on return to the court

Novak Djokovic suffers no small amount to get past first round in Dubai

The first round of the Atp tournament in Dubai threatened to give an unexpected result, to say the least: Novak Djokovic, fresh winner of the Australian Open and No. 1 in the world rankings, took a big risk against the circuit’s No. 130, Czech Tomas Machac, who came from the qualifiers: the Serb won 6-3, 3-6, 7-6(1), breathing a sigh of relief only at the tie-break of the third and decisive set.

A few too many rusts for Nole, who had been out of action for practically a month after the Australian Open to recover from physical problems that had not, however, prevented him from dominating the Australian slam, which he won by beating Stefanos Tsitsipas in three sets in the final.

In the second round of the Dubai tournament, Djokovic will face Dutchman Tallon Griekspoor, No. 39 Atp, who defeated Constant Lestienne 6-4, 3-6, 6-2 in the first round.