Novak Djokovic Advances to Dubai Championship Semifinals with Straight-Set Victory

Novak Djokovic showcased his championship form at the Dubai Tennis Championships, defeating fifth-seeded Andrey Rublev 6-4, 6-2 to secure his place in the semifinals. The 38-year-old Serbian star demonstrated why he remains one of the most formidable players on the ATP Tour, even at this stage of his illustrious career.

From the opening game, Djokovic displayed the tactical precision and court awareness that have defined his two-decade career. He broke Rublev's serve early in the first set, capitalizing on the Russian's unforced errors and aggressive but inconsistent play style. The crowd at the Aviation Club Tennis Centre witnessed vintage Djokovic as he constructed points with surgical precision.

Rublev, known for his powerful forehand and aggressive baseline game, struggled to find his rhythm against Djokovic's defensive mastery. The world number five managed just 12 winners compared to 28 unforced errors, a stark contrast to Djokovic's efficient 18 winners and only 9 unforced errors throughout the match.

"I felt really good out there today," Djokovic said in his post-match interview. "My movement was sharp, and I was reading Andrey's game well. These kinds of matches give me confidence as I prepare for the bigger tournaments ahead."

The second set was even more dominant for the former world number one. Djokovic broke Rublev's serve twice, showcasing his improved serve and return game. His first serve percentage of 78% and winning 85% of points on his first serve demonstrated the level of tennis that has earned him 24 Grand Slam titles.

This victory marks Djokovic's 12th consecutive win to start the 2026 season, following his triumph at the Australian Open in January. He will face either Carlos Alcaraz or Stefanos Tsitsipas in the semifinals, setting up what promises to be another classic encounter.

With the French Open just three months away, Djokovic's form in Dubai suggests he's building toward another potential Grand Slam campaign. His ability to adapt his game and maintain his competitive edge continues to defy Father Time and cement his status as one of tennis' greatest champions.