Djokovic Leads 8 Top 20s In Dubai, Seeks Fifth Desert Title

by Staff | February 23rd, 2020, 1:56 pm
  • 1 Comment

Novak Djokovic is back on the courts this week in Dubai. The Australian Open champion leads a field of eight players in the Top 20.

The World No. 1 is slated to meet Malek Jaziri in his opener, with Philipp Kohlschreiber in round two, Karen Khachanov in the quarters and potentially Gael Monfils in the semifinals. Djokovic has won the title four times, most recently seven years ago in 2013 when he beat Tomas Berdych.

In his last appearance, Djokovic retired to Feliciano Lopez in 2016 due to a an eye issue.


Marseille winner and 2019 runner-up Stefanos Tsitsipas is seeded second and will begin against former Top 10 Pablo Carreno Busta.

Fabio Fognini, Andrey Rublev and Benoit Paire are also in the draw. Paire will meet Marin Cilic in arguably the best first round match.

2018 winner Roberto Bautista Agut is the only other former champion in the field.

Last year, Roger Federer turned away Tstisipas for his 100th career title. Federer withdrew from the event due to right knee surgery.


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One Comment for Djokovic Leads 8 Top 20s In Dubai, Seeks Fifth Desert Title

chrisford1 Says:

A portion of what the excellent tennis journalist Jovica Ilic had from a group interview with Djokovic before Dubai.

Speaking with journalists ahead of Dubai, Novak mentioned his constant will for improvement as the most significant reason he still plays tennis, reflecting those developments to life in general.

[Also, Djokovic revealed he sees tennis as a great school of life, blessed with his journey so far and all great people that encompass him.] “Yes, there is room for improvement and that’s my biggest motivation at the moment.

That’s probably one of the most prominent reasons why I keep on playing this sport and why I put a lot of effort and dedication every single day. I feel that tennis is a great place for me to improve, not just in tennis but also as a human being to build my character,” Djokovic said.

“Tennis, like no other place in life, triggers my emotions. It’s an excellent way for me to understand myself on deeper levels. I see tennis as a great school of life in a way. I also enjoy it. I really love to hold the racquet.

I enjoy the process and the journey. I have a great team of people around me that puts a lot of energy and faith in me, in my game. Together, we create beautiful things on the court and I’m grateful for that.”

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On one level, I think Novak has read too many self-improvement books. The other is another mystery revealed a little bit more about how he stays out there without the adulation of the crowd, denied the right to thrive off it, take energy from it. Like Rafa and Roger. It’s the quest for tennis perfection and how the quest for that helps him improve his personal life. Stuff like that can leave Djokovic highly motivated and performing well before a hostile crowd – and if he keeps believing in it – in top tennis for several more years.

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