Andy Murray withdrew from the Dubai Duty Free Tennis Championships on Monday, citing a hip injury.

The Scot reached his first final of the season in Doha last week, winning three-set matches against Lorenzo Sonego, Alexander Zverev, Alexandre Muller and Jiri Lehecka. The former World No. 1, who saved five match points against Lehecka, lost against Daniil Medvedev in the championship match.

An update on @andy_murray.#DDFTennis #ATP @atptour pic.twitter.com/ztxMwWd55U

— Dubai Tennis Champs (@DDFTennis) February 27, 2023

Murray, 35, has made seven appearances at the ATP 500 event in Dubai, holding a 17-6 record. His best result at the hard-court tournament came in 2017, when he won the title.

World No. 1 Novak Djokovic leads the field in Dubai, with Top 10 stars Andrey Rublev, Medvedev and Felix Auger-Aliassime also in action.

Novak Djokovic has today achieved another historic milestone in his career, overtaking Stefanie Graf’s record for most weeks by a men’s or women’s tennis player as World No. 1.

The Serbian already held the record for the most weeks as No. 1 in the history of the Pepperstone ATP Rankings (since 1973) when he surpassed Roger Federer’s mark of 310 weeks in March 2021. Now he has moved past Graf by beginning his 378th week on top of tennis’ mountain. 

Djokovic, currently on 6,980 points in the Pepperstone ATP Rankings, returned to No. 1 last month for the first time since last June by winning a record-extending 10th Australian Open crown.

ALL-TIME WEEKS AT NO. 1 (MEN AND WOMEN)

The 35-year-old, who is competing at the Dubai Duty Free Tennis Championships this week, first rose to No. 1 aged 24 years and 43 days on 4 July 2011, and spent a personal-best 122 consecutive weeks at the summit of the Pepperstone ATP Rankings between 7 July 2014 and 6 November 2016.

Djokovic is one of 28 players in the history of the Pepperstone ATP Rankings to hold the top spot. He finished 2021 as year-end No. 1 for a record seventh time (also 2011-12, ’14-15, ’18 and ’20).

Graf, who hit the top of the women’s rankings for the first time in 1987, won 107 titles in her career, including 22 Grand Slam crowns.

Carlos Alcaraz battled hard on Sunday in the Rio Open presented by Claro final to claim his second title in as any weeks. But after a two-hour, 42-minute clash full of momentum changes, Cameron Norrie triumphed 5-7, 6-4, 7-5 to earn the trophy.

“It [was] a really tough final. I had my chances to win the final, had a break up in the second set and 0/30 to [earn] a second break,” Alcaraz said. “I couldn’t do it and I said before, when you have chances and you don’t make it, it’s really tough to come back against this kind of player. It’s really tough.

“At the end unfortunately I couldn’t [find] my best level physically and it’s really tough to come back in these kind of tournaments against this kind of player. But I would say it has been a good final given that.”

In the middle of the second set, Alcaraz began visibly struggling with a right leg injury. The 19-year-old dialled up his aggression to shorten points, but ultimately fell short of extending his winning streak to nine.

“Even with the injury and the pain, after all the match I could say I’m happy with my performance this whole week and the level that I played in these matches,” Alcaraz said. “But of course playing against Norrie is always tough and it’s great to see him win a title.”

The pair also met last week in the championship match of the Argentina Open in Buenos Aires, where Alcaraz triumphed. It was the Spaniard’s first tournament of the season after missing more than three months due to injury. He is now 8-1 on the season.

Alcaraz explained that he will evaluate his condition with his doctor and physiotherapist. He is scheduled to compete next week in Acapulco at the Abierto Mexicano Telcel presentado por HSBC.

“I really like Acapulco,” Alcaraz said. “I really want to go there and play in front of the Mexican fans.”

Carlos Alcaraz appeared well on his way to a second consecutive Rio Open presented by Claro title on Sunday when he led Cameron Norrie 7-5, 3-0 0/30. But a resurgent Norrie and physical issues for the Spaniard proved too much to overcome.

Second seed Norrie rallied for a 5-7, 6-4, 7-5 victory after two hours and 42 minutes in the ATP 500 final. The triumph marked the Briton’s fifth ATP Tour title and his first hardware of the season.

“So special to win this one, especially I’d lost a couple finals already this year and I had to do it the tough way,” Norrie said. “A set and a break down and 0/30 on my serve, I was looking done there and I managed to flick a switch and turn it around, so it was a good day.”

Alcaraz was not at his best in the early going, but when he crushed a backhand return winner to capture the opening set, momentum was fully on his side. Norrie showed frustration as he relinquished an immediate service break in the second set and the match appeared to be slipping away. But he never stopped battling to earn his ATP Tour-leading 18th win of the season (18-3). No other player has more than Daniil Medvedev’s 14 victories.

After losing in the Auckland final in January and the Buenos Aires championship match last week, it was an emotional win for Norrie.

“Especially on a surface that I’m not too comfortable with,” Norrie said. “I had to battle a lot of demons the last couple weeks, but I managed to just play well in the big moments and that’s what it took today.”

The lefty refocused just in time in the second set to stay in the match and Alcaraz’s right leg began to bother him. The Spaniard had it wrapped in the middle of the set and his movement thereafter became noticeably hindered, as did his serve.

As Norrie acted as a wall at the back of the court, Alcaraz tried everything possible to fight his way to the finish line. From serving and volleying to crushing returns and rushing forward, the Spaniard searched for solutions despite his physical struggles.

The World No. 2 played ultra-aggressive tennis to rally from a break down in the third set and put himself within a few more big shots of victory. From jaw-dropping power from the baseline to making consistent use of his drop shot to end points quickly, the Spaniard kept his hopes of a second consecutive title in Rio de Janeiro alive.

The 19-year-old seemingly maintained dialogue with his team throughout the early part of the third set with the severity of his injury unclear. He never let slip his fighting spirit.

But Norrie never panicked and let the tidal wave of Alcaraz’s shotmaking overwhelm him. After crushing an ace down the T to end the match, Norrie dropped to his knees and let our a roar to celebrate. The Briton will climb one place to No. 12 in the Pepperstone ATP Rankings on Monday.

“What a match, Charlie, man. Another battle. I had to give absolutely everything to beat you today and obviously it could have gone your way as well” Norrie said to Alcaraz during the trophy ceremony. “Congrats on another final. Congrats to your team.

“The match could have gone either way, but I managed to run a little bit more and it was a really good match. It’s an honour to share the court with you again and compete with you.”

Did You Know?
Alcaraz defeated Norrie in the final of the Argentina Open last week in Buenos Aires. This was the first time two players have played finals against one another in back-to-back weeks since Novak Djokovic and Andy Murray split titles in Madrid and Rome in 2016.

Who can stop Novak Djokovic in 2023? So far, nobody has.

The Serbian, who said Sunday he is approaching full health after suffering a hamstring injury in January in Australia, will next bring a perfect 12-0 record for 2023 to the Dubai Duty Free Tennis Championships.

Djokovic is back in action this week for the first time since collecting his record-equalling 22nd Grand Slam title at the Australian Open. His unbeaten season record will be put to the test at the Dubai ATP 500, where he feels right at home.

“Dubai in the last 10 or 15 years has become one of the most important places and bases for tennis players, both men and women,” Djokovic said. “So many players come here in the offseason, including myself. I try to use a week or two in December and come play the tournament [in February]. Fantastic climate, very international, the conditions, facilities, everything is phenomenal.

“People love tennis [here]. People appreciate tennis players here. I feel comfortable. I feel welcomed. I’ve had plenty of support in previous years when I’ve played in Dubai. I’m really looking forward to a great atmosphere on the court.”

The 35-year-old has tallied a 43-7 match record at the outdoor hard-court event including titles in 2009-11, 2013, and 2020. In 2022, Djokovic suffered a quarter-final exit to eventual finalist Jiri Vesely.

Already a two-time titlist this year (Adelaide, Australian Open), the World No. 1 said he is feeling close to 100 per cent. When he captured his record-extending 10th title at Melbourne Park, the Belgrade native played through a left hamstring injury. Even so, Djokovic dropped just one set at the season’s first major.

“It was challenging,” Djokovic said. “I knew what I was going through and my team members [did also]. That makes the victory in Melbourne even greater because I had to face [adversity].

“I [didn’t] practise one single day between matches. I just warmed up for the match and played. Luckily I [had] a great preparation prior to Australia and plenty of tennis.

“Right now, I haven’t felt pain for the last week or so. I feel good on the court, still building and getting to 100 per cent. I’m still not there, but it’s a process.”

On Monday, the 93-time tour-level champion will make more history. Djokovic, who will enter his 378th week as World No. 1 in the Pepperstone ATP Rankings, will surpass Stefanie Graf with the most weeks atop the sport for men or women. Following his title in Melbourne, Djokovic reclaimed the No. 1 spot and his leap from World No. 5 marked the biggest jump to top spot in history (since 1973) from one edition of the Pepperstone ATP Rankings to the next.

Top seed Djokovic will begin his quest for a sixth Dubai crown against Tomas Machac. The winner will meet Tallon Griekspoor or Constant Lestienne. Djokovic could meet eighth seed Hubert Hurkacz or Andy Murray in the quarter-finals.

Players at the Movistar Chile Open did their part Saturday to help support those suffering due to the wildfires in Chile.

Chilean trio Cristian Garin, Alejandro Tabilo and Nicolas Massu were joined by defending Santiago champion Pedro Martinez for an exhibition to raise money for Desafío Levantemos Chile.

“It’s very sad of course and for me it’s very important to support in some way. I think with this exhibition we are trying to get as much as possible,” Garin said. “Today many people came and it was nice to help in some way the south of Chile in this time. I know the people are suffering a lot, so we try to send love and money of course.”

Fans who attended made voluntary donations to benefit those affected by the fires in the south of the country. Money raised will be used to support those in the impacted areas.

“It’s very important. I know everybody over there has been struggling a lot. One of my best friends lives there and is from there, and my coach is also from there, so it’s a very sensitive spot for the whole team,” Tabilo said. “Happy to help and always very excited to help.”

Martinez won his first ATP Tour title in Santiago last year. The Spaniard was happy to do his part to help those in need.

“It’s always good to do tennis things for a great cause. I’m feeling good here in Santiago,” Martinex said. “I hope all the people who suffered from the fires will recover as soon as possible.”

A manic February on the ATP Tour will be rounded off with another three-tournament week. Novak Djokovic headlines the field at the Dubai Duty Free Tennis Championships, while Carlos Alcaraz is the top seed at the Abierto Mexicano Telcel presentado por HSBC. Both are ATP 500 hard-court events.

At the Movistar Chile Open in Santiago, an ATP 250 clay-court tournament, Lorenzo Musetti and Dominic Thiem will take to court.

ATPTour.com looks at five things to watch at each event.

View Draws: Acapulco | Dubai | Santiago

FIVE THINGS TO WATCH IN ACAPULCO
1) Alcaraz Headlines Field: Alcaraz will lead the field as the top seed when he makes his second appearance in Acapulco. The Spaniard, who lost in the first round on debut in 2021, has found his best level since returning to Tour from injury earlier this month. He won his seventh tour-level title in Buenos Aires and is into the final in Rio de Janeiro.

2) Ruud & Rune In Action: Casper Ruud and Holger Rune arrive in Acapulco aiming to clinch their first title of the season. The Norwegian Ruud is competing for the first time since he lost in the second round at the Australian Open. Making his second appearance at the hard-court event, the second seed will open against a qualifier. Rune, who is making his debut, holds an 8-4 record on the season, with his best result a run to the semi-finals in Montpellier.

3) Fired-Up Fritz: Taylor Fritz will compete in the ATP 500 event at a career-high World No. 5 in the Pepperstone ATP Rankings. The 25-year-old captured his first title of the season in Delray Beach earlier this month. Fritz, who reached the final in Acapulco in 2020, Monday will be the first American to be ranked inside the Top 5 since Andy Roddick in September 2009.

4) Seeded Threats: Cameron Norrie, Frances Tiafoe, Tommy Paul and Matteo Berrettini all compete in a strong field in Mexico. Norrie reached the final last year, while Tommy Paul has started the season impressively, advancing to the semi-finals at the Australian Open. Making his fifth appearance at the event, Tiafoe will try to advance past the second round for the first time. Berrettini competes for the first time since he lost to Andy Murray in Melbourne last month.

5) Koolhof/Skupski Lead The Way: Wesley Koolhof and Neal Skupski are the top seeds in the doubles draw in Acapulco, where they will try to claim their first title of the season. Ruud is competing in the field with American William Blumberg and Berrettini will partner brother Jacopo Berrettini.

FIVE THINGS TO WATCH IN DUBAI
1) Djokovic Returns: Djokovic returns to action for the first time since January, when he won his 10th Australian Open crown and record-equalling 22nd Grand Slam title. The Serbian, who holds a 12-0 record on the season, has fond memories of Dubai, lifting the trophy in 2009, 2010, 2011, 2013 and 2020.

2) Defending Champion Rublev: Andrey Rublev soared to success in Dubai last year, defeating Jiri Vesely in the final to clinch what was his 10th ATP Tour title. The 25-year-old will attempt to rediscover his best form at the ATP 250 this week after suffering a quarter-final defeat against Jiri Lehecka in Doha.

3) Daniil & Felix Target Success: Daniil Medvedev and Felix Auger-Aliassime faced off in the Doha semi-finals last week, with Medvedev prevailing en route to the title. Making his third appearance in Dubai, Medvedev is chasing his third tour-level title of the season after also winning in Rotterdam earlier this month.

4) Wild Card Murray: Andy Murray has not made life easy for himself in 2023, earning six deciding-set wins this year. The Scot arrives at the hard-court tournament off the back of a run to the final in Doha, where he defeated Alexander Zverev and in-form Czech Jiri Lehecka. The former World No. 1 triumphed in Dubai in 2017.

5) Turin Competitors In Dubai: In the doubles draw, three teams that competed in last year’s Nitto ATP Finals will be in action. Nikola Mektic/Mate Pavic are the top seeds, Ivan Dodig/Austin Krajicek are seeded second and Lloyd Glasspool/Harri Heliovaara are the third seed. The fourth seeds, Hugo Nys/Jan Zielinski, reached the final of this year’s Australian Open.

FIVE THINGS TO WATCH IN SANTIAGO
1) Musetti Top Seed: Italian Musetti will be seeking his third tour-level title when he makes his debut at the Movistar Chile Open. The 20-year-old made a quick start to his season at the United Cup, where he earned four wins for Team Italy. The Santiago top seed will play Jaume Munar or Alejandro Tabilo in the second round.

2) Can Schwartzman Find Form? Diego Schwartzman arrives in Santiago bidding to snap a four-match losing streak. The Argentine, who is making his debut, has produced his best tennis on clay, winning three of his four tour-level crowns on the surface. The fourth seed will open against Rio de Janeiro semi-finalist Nicolas Jarry or Peruvian Juan Pablo Varillas.

3) Baez & Cerundolo In Action: Sebastian Baez has enjoyed a standout February, winning his second tour-level title in Cordoba before he advanced to the quarter-finals in Rio de Janeiro. The 22-year-old performed well in Santiago last year, reaching the final. In contrast, Francisco Cerundolo has had a steady start to the season, advancing to the quarter-finals in Cordoba and Buenos Aires. He will begin his Santiago campaign against Fabio Fognini or Tomas Martin Etcheverry.

4) Garin & Thiem Receive Wild Cards: Home favourite Cristian Garin and former World No. 3 Thiem have both received wild cards. Chilean Garin captured the title in Santiago in 2021, while Thiem is making his debut.

5) Gonzalez/Molteni Seek More Glory: Maximo Gonzalez and Andres Molteni are on a roll, having lifted the trophy in Cordoba and Rio de Janeiro. Will they add another to their collection in Santiago? The Argentines are the top seeds in Chile.