Tennis News: In his first match since the Australian Open, Novak Djokovic required a deciding tie-break to defeat the young Czech Tomas Machac at the ATP Tour event in Dubai.
After overcoming a hamstring issue to win a record-tying 22nd Grand Slam championship in Melbourne, the Serbian took three weeks off and appeared a bit rusty in a 6-3 3-6 7-6 (1) victory over Machac, who was ranked 130th.
In the second set, Djokovic’s forehand was unquestionably erratic, but in the third, with Machac experiencing wrist pain, it appeared like he had turned things around.
The 22-year-old played some amazing tennis to rally from a breakdown, draw the match at 4-4, and force a tie-break in the final set, but Djokovic raised his game just as he needed it.
"My goal is to become No.1" ☺️
A special presentation for record-breaking @DjokerNole @DDFTennis | #DDFTennis pic.twitter.com/7Qi1SXAF1J
— ATP Tour (@atptour) February 28, 2023
After his 13th triumph this season, Djokovic, who this week surpassed Steffi Graf’s all-time record by spending his 378th week at No. 1, continued to go undefeated.
“Tomas most certainly didn’t perform like 130 in the world today,” Djokovic remarked in a courtside interview carried by Amazon Prime Video. “He was causing me a lot of trouble, but I think when it counted, I switched to another gear.”
“You can always improve physically, and I hold you to the greatest standards. I did experience pain for several weeks, and it took me some time to truly adjust to gripping a racket. I haven’t played tennis much, but I’m expecting to improve as the competition goes on.”
And still he rises 💫
With 378 weeks at the top of the @PepperstoneFX ATP Rankings, Novak Djokovic has made history, breaking the ALL TIME tennis record for the longest spot at number one 🙌 🏆 pic.twitter.com/zil7BKkKB8
— ATP Tour (@atptour) February 27, 2023
Dan Evans of the United Kingdom lost his first-round match to Borna Coric after only four games due to injury.
At 2-2, Evans—who was wearing strapping above his right ankle—called for the trainer and served just one more time before giving up and shaking his head.
The 32-year-old made it to the third round of the Australian Open, but in seven singles matches on the ATP Tour so far in 2023, he has only managed to claim one victory.
In other events, Daniil Medvedev beat Matteo Arnaldi 6-4, 6-2, extending his winning streak to eleven sets as he pursues a third straight championship.
Fourth seed Felix Auger-Aliassime outlasted American Maxime Cressy 7-6 (4) 3-6 6-3, but sixth seed Karen Khachanov was defeated by Botic Van De Zandschulp 7-5 6-2.
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