Novak is back in action this week for the first time since collecting his record-equalling 22nd Grand Slam title at the Australian Open.<\/p>\n
Top seed Novak Djokovic began his quest for a sixth Dubai crown on Tuesday.<\/p>\n
The world no.1 improved to a perfect 13-0 record in 2023, following a hard fought 6-3, 3-6, 7-6 (1) victory over Tomas Machac in two hours and 27 minutes.<\/strong><\/p>\n Novak was made to work hard to reach the second round. He broke first for a 3-1 lead, but his rival fought back immediately. Another break by Djokovic followed, this time it was enough for the top-seeded Serbian star to seal the first set. The Czech qualifier took the second set to force a decider. The tie break had to decide the winner, after the two had traded break once in the third set. Novak came through taking it convincingly, 7-1.<\/p>\n “Tomas certainly didn’t play like a 130 in world today,”<\/strong> Djokovic said. “He was giving me all kinds of trouble. But i guess when it mattered, I found another gear.\u201d<\/strong><\/p>\n Match statistics: aces (12-6), double faults (8-4), total points won (104-90).<\/p>\n Novak will next meet Tallon Griekspoor of the Netherlands (H2H 1-0, ATP #39), who defeated Frenchman Constant Lestienne in the opener.<\/strong><\/p>\n The 35-year-old Belgrade native has a 44-7 match record at the Dubai Duty Free Tennis Championships<\/a>, an ATP 500 outdoor hard-court event, including titles in 2009, 2010, 2011, 2013 and 2020.<\/p>\n