Djokovic Advances to Semifinals in Dramatic Five-Set Victory

Novak Djokovic demonstrated why he remains one of tennis greatest champions, mounting a spectacular comeback to defeat 22-year-old Italian sensation Lorenzo Martinelli 3-6, 4-6, 6-3, 6-2, 6-4 in the quarterfinals of the ATP Dubai Championships on Thursday evening.

The 36-year-old Serbian found himself in unfamiliar territory early, trailing by two sets for the first time this season. Martinelli, ranked 28th in the world, played fearlessly in the opening sets, dictating rallies with his powerful forehand and forcing Djokovic into defensive positions. The young Italian had the capacity crowd on their feet as he took a commanding lead.

However, tennis fans witnessed vintage Djokovic in the third set. The 24-time Grand Slam champion began to find his rhythm, constructing points with surgical precision and wearing down his opponent with relentless consistency. The turning point came with Martinelli serving at 3-4 in the third set, when Djokovic saved three game points and broke serve with a stunning cross-court backhand winner.

From there, Djokovic's experience and mental fortitude took over. He dominated the fourth set, winning 6-2 while Martinelli's first-serve percentage dropped dramatically. The fifth set became a master class in tennis intelligence, as Djokovic varied his pace and placement to frustrate the increasingly fatigued Italian.

I have been in this position many times before, Djokovic said in his on-court interview. Lorenzo played incredible tennis for two sets, but I knew if I could stay patient and trust my game, I would find a way. That is what experience teaches you.

Djokovic will face third-seeded Carlos Alcaraz in Saturday's semifinals, setting up a blockbuster encounter between the sport's most successful champion and its brightest young star. The match is expected to draw a capacity crowd and global television audience, with both players seeking momentum heading into the upcoming hardcourt season. Martinelli, despite the loss, earned valuable ranking points and proved he belongs among tennis elite competitors.