DUBAI (AFP) – Novak Djokovic was made to work in his first match since winning the Australian Open last month, needing three close sets to move past world No.130 Tomas Machac in Dubai on Tuesday.
Undefeated so far in 2023, and carrying a 17-match winning streak coming into the UAE, dating back to last year’s ATP Finals, Djokovic showed signs of rustiness in his 6-3, 3-6, 7-6 (7/1) win over the Czech qualifier.
Djokovic, who this week has broken Steffi Graf’s all-time record of 377 weeks at world number one, recently recovered from a muscle tear in his left hamstring, which he sustained in Australia on his way to a record-equalling 22nd Grand Slam title.
It was an impressive performance from Machac, who was facing a top-10 opponent for just the fourth time in his career.
The two players hit a combined 78 winners during the two-hour 27-minute affair. But it was Djokovic’s 28 unforced errors that at times proved costly.
secured to set up a second-round meeting with Dutchman Tallon Griekspoor.
Earlier, third seed Daniil Medvedev extended his winning streak to 10 consecutive matches as he began his quest for a third title in as many weeks with a 6-4, 6-2 victory over Italian lucky loser Matteo Arnaldi.
Fourth seed Felix Auger-Aliassime made a successful tournament debut, avenging his defeat to Maxime Cressy from Wimbledon last year by overcoming the American 7-6 (7/4), 3-6, 6-3.
Cressy, a Paris-born serve-and-volleyer, fired 27 aces but also committed 25 double faults throughout the three-hour contest, which saw Auger-Aliassime convert just one of 14 break point opportunities.
The Canadian world No.9 will next take on Italian Lorenzo Sonego for a place in the quarter-finals.
