Djokovic Arrives In Dubai; Puts Perfect Season Record To Test

Novak Djokovic will put his unbeaten record in 2023 on the line this week at the Dubai Duty Free Tennis Championships.

The Serbian, who is 12-0 this season, will be in action this week for the first time since collecting his record-extending 10th Australian Open title. On Saturday, Djokovic practised with Croatian Borna Coric ahead of the ATP 500 event.

The 35-year-old will begin his quest for a sixth Dubai crown against a qualifier before meeting the winner of Tallon Griekspoor and Constant Lestienne. Djokovic could meet eighth seed Hubert Hurkacz or Andy Murray in the quarter-finals.

On Monday, the 22-time major champion will add to the record books. Djokovic, who will enter his 378th week as World No. 1, will surpass Stefanie Graf with the most weeks atop the sport. Following his title in Melbourne, Djokovic reclaimed the No. 1 spot in the Pepperstone ATP Rankings and his leap from World No. 5 marked the biggest jump to top spot in history (since 1973).

In 2022, Dubai was Djokovic’s first tournament of the season. He suffered a quarter-final exit to eventual finalist Jiri Vesely. Already a two-time titlist this year (Adelaide, Australian Open), Djokovic aims to continue his sizzling start to the year in the United Arab Emirates.