The No. 1 ranked tennis player in the world, faced a defeat in straight sets to Czech qualifier Jiri Vesely in the quarter finals of the Dubai open.
Novak Djokovic won the round of 16 encounter versus a very competitive Karen Khachanov. He won the match 6-3 7-6(2). This was his second win of the season. He won the round of 32 match against Lorenzo Musetti.
Jiri Vesely put in a performance of a lifetime as the world no. 123 had answers to almost everything the 20-time Grand Slam winner threw at him. Vesely ousted Djokovic in straight sets winning 6-4 7-6. It was upset for sure, but this win will surely boost Vesely’s morale going ahead
Vesely, a former junior number one said after beating the veteran that “It’s an amazing feeling. I never thought I would have a chance against Novak, he’s one of the greatest of all time, if not the best,” he said. Interestingly, this was Vesely’s second meeting with Novak. He won their previous face off as well. It was in 2016 in Monte Carlo.
In another news, after this crushing loss, Djokovic will lose his No.1 ranking. Daniil Medvedev is all set to become the new ATP world No.1.
“Well I missed it obviously [about not being able to play tennis this season prior to Dubai Open]. This is my life,you know,” said Novak after winning against Karen Khachanov in Round of 16.
Novak Djokovic was deported from Australia as he hadn’t been vaccinated. According the the organizers of the Australian Open, players had to have taken the jab in order to play in the tournament.
The veteran had been barred from participating in the Australian Open last month. He wasn’t in favour of getting vaccinated and hence, was deported from the country.
Rafael Nadal won the Australian Open and got his nose in front in the G.O.A.T. race with 21 Grand Slams. One more than Roger Federer and Novak Djokovic.
An emotional Novak said, “This is what I’ve known to do and I still keep on doing for the last 20 years almost. Professional tennis.”
He went on stating what keeps him going, “I love first of all, I enjoy travelling, I enjoy playing, I enjoy bringing some positive emotions and memories to people that come to watch. Thank you.”
Unfortunately, Novak’s journey in the Dubai Championships ended in his very next match but expect the fighter to comeback stronger than ever.
Jiri Vesely will take on Denis Shapovalov next, in the semi-finals of the Dubai Open.
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