Serbian tennis superstar Novak Djokovic has joined Rafael Nadal in this year’s ATP 500 Dubai player field, per Michal Samulski.
Novak Djokovic wll join Rafael Nadal to play ATP500 Dubai Championships next month.
— Michal Samulski (@MichalSamulski) January 13, 2023
Djokovic, 35, is set to make his 13th appearance on the hard courts of Dubai.
Throughout his career, Djokovic has had lots of success in Dubai.
At the Dubai event, Djokovic is a five-time champion and owns an impressive 5-1 record in Dubai finals.
Last year, Djokovic kicked off his 2022 season in Dubai.
There, he reached the quarterfinal before losing to Jiri Vesely.
Djokovic’s last Dubai triumph came in 2020, when he defeated Stefanos Tsitsipas in the final.
This year, Djokovic will certainly be among the top favorites to win his sixth Dubai title.
The Dubai event is taking place between 27 February – 04 March.
Djokovic is now focused on the Australian Open
Djokovic kicked off his 2023 campaign with a triumph at the Adelaide International.
Now, Djokovic is aiming to win his record 10th Australian Open title.
After winning Adelaiide, Djokovic underlined the importance of the Australian Open.
“I couldn’t ask for a better preparation and lead-up to Australian Open. Of course, Australian Open is the biggest reason why I’m here in Australia, but at the same time I want to win every tournament I play on, regardless of the level of the tournament. I love playing in Australia. I mean, my results are a testament to that. I wouldn’t be able to play so well in a place where I don’t feel well. I look forward to Melbourne. Rod Laver is probably my most — not probably, it certainly is my most successful court in my career. I love playing there. I look forward to it. I have a week off for recovery now and working on specific things in terms of my game, my body, getting my mind in the right state for the best-of-five and two long weeks hopefully,” Djokovic said.
Djokovic faces Roberto Carballes Baena in the Australian Open first round.