The top seed at the Dubai Duty Free Tennis Championships failed to reach semi-finals of the ATP 500 event on Thursday. Novak suffered a 4-6, 6-7 (4) loss to world no.123 Jiri Vesely (CZE, Q). As a result, the Serbian star will fall to no.2 in the ATP Rankings on Monday for the first time since February 2020. Djokovic has spent a record 361 weeks at the summit of men's professional tennis.

Novak withstood the challenge of world no.26 Karen Khachanov to prevail 6-3, 7-6 (2) in their second round encounter at the Dubai Duty Free Tennis Championships. The top seed goes on to play qualifier Jiri Vesely next (CZE, ATP #123).

In his first match of the 2022 season, a convincing display from Nole. He beat Italian Lorenzo Musetti 6-3, 6-3 in 74 minutes to reach the 2nd round at the Dubai Duty Free Tennis Championships. The top seed faces Karen Khachanov (RUS) next.

Nole will be bidding for a sixth crown at the Dubai Duty Free Tennis Championships (2009-11, 2013, 2020). The tournament celebrates its 30th anniversary. The top seed faces world no.57, Italian Lorenzo Musetti (WC, 1-0 H2H), in what will be his first match of the season.

Italian lucky loser Lorenzo Sonego beat top seed and 2007 Vienna champion 6-2, 6-1 in the Erste Bank Open quarter-finals.

Novak raised his level as the match went on to beat Borna Coric 7-6 (11), 6-3. For a spot in the ATP 500 tournament last four, the top seed will play Italian lucky loser Lorenzo Sonego (ATP #41) on Friday.

Novak is through to the second round at the Erste Bank Open, following a 7-6 (6), 6-3 victory over his friend and compatriot Filip Krajinovic in one hour and 58 minutes. The 2007 Vienna champion goes on to face Borna Coric (3-0 H2H).

Novak won the 2007 Vienna Open defeating Stan Wawrinka in the final, 6-4, 6-0. In his third appearance at the Erste Bank Open, Djokovic will begin his bid for a second tournament trophy when he meets his friend and compatriot Filip Krajinovic in the opening round.

Novak defeated Stefanos Tsitsipas in straight sets, 6-3, 6-4, to claim the Dubai Duty Free Tennis Championships trophy for the fifth time. It is the 79th title of Djokovic’s illustrious career, and second in 2020.

Novak rallied from a set down and saved three match points en-route to a 2-6, 7-6 (8), 6-1 win over third seed Gael Monfils. He will face Stefanos Tsitsipas (GRE, 2) in Saturday's final.