Dubai Open 2023 Highlights: Djokovic defeats Machac: Novak Djokovic clinched a three-set thriller against Tomas Machac in the first round of the Dubai Open 2023. The World No.1 started the contest by winning the first set 6-3. However he lost the second after a terrific fightback from Machac. The Czech qualifier continued to fight in the third set as he took the contest into the tie-breaker. The experienced Djokovic managed to prevail in the end by winning the tie-breaker. With the win, the 35-year old has extended his unbeaten run in the tour this year. Follow Dubai Open 2023 LIVE updates on InsideSport.IN
Dubai Open 2023 Highlights: Novak Djokovic keeps unbeaten streak intact, defeats Tomas Machac in three-set thriller in first round of Dubai Open 2023 first round – Watch Highlights
STILL undefeated in 2023! 🥇
World No.1 @DjokerNole escapes 6-3, 3-6, 7-6(1) in an absolute thriller with Machac@DDFTennis | #DDFTennis pic.twitter.com/9ykOtN4n5Z
— ATP Tour (@atptour) February 28, 2023
In the match, World No. 1 was at times visibly frustrated at struggling to find his best level. But he composed himself in trademark fashion in the deciding-set tie-break to ward off the upset and take a hard-earned two-hour, 28-minute victory.
“Tomas certainly didn’t play like the No. 130 in the world today,” Djokovic said of Machac, who reached his career-high of No. 97 in the ATP Rankings last December. “He was giving me all kinds of trouble. But I guess when it mattered, I found another gear.”
Djokovic had led 4-1 in the third set before an inspired Machac rallied to take the 93-time tour-level titlist the distance in the U.A.E. Yet the Serbian held on for the win, and is now 13-0 for the 2023 season after previously winning an ATP 250 in Adelaide and lifting a record-equalling 22nd Grand Slam at January’s Australian Open.
“Physically you can always be better,” said Djokovic, who was playing his first match since his Australian Open title run. “I demand the highest of standards, levels, and quality of tennis and preparation that I can possibly get.
“I did struggle with injury for several weeks and it took me a little bit of time to get used to holding the racquet. I haven’t played much tennis coming into Dubai, so I’m hoping that as the tournament progresses, I can raise the level of tennis as well.”
Dubai Open 2023 Highlights: Novak Djokovic keeps unbeaten streak intact, defeats Tomas Machac in three-set thriller in first round of Dubai Open 2023 first round – Watch Highlights
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