Novak Djokovic will face Malek Jaziri in the first round of the Dubai Duty Free Championships this week.
The Serb enters the tournament in Dubai having edged his way to the Australian Open title last month at Melbourne Park.
Full of confidence and energy, Djokovic will play Malek Jaziri in the opening round in Dubai with the Tunisian being a former quarter-finalist here.
Speaking at the draw ceremony, Jaziri feels at home playing in the middle-east, “I feel like I’m playing at home here,” the Tunisian told the Khaleej Times.
“That run a couple years back and I’ve also made the quarters a couple of times, it’s perfect to be back competing here.”
Should Djokovic get through Jaziri in the opening round then Philipp Kohlschreiber or Mohammed Safwat will await in the second round. A last eight showdown with Karen Khachanov could also be on the cards for the Serb.
Not only is Djokovic in singles action this week but he is also teaming up with Marin Cilic in doubles as they face top seeds Rajeev Ram and Joe Salisbury.
As for the second seed Stefanos Tsitsipas, he could face a rematch with Hubert Hurkacz from last year’s event where the Greek won.
Before that match happens in the second round, Stefanos Tsitsipas will have to get past Pablo Carreno Busta while Hurkacz faces the unpredictable Alexander Bublik.
In other headline first round matches, Dan Evans will face 4th seed Fabio Fognini while Marin Cilic will face eighth seed Benoit Paire.
Here is the full draw with play getting under way on Monday:
ATP500 Dubai singles draw pic.twitter.com/9HN4CnxvMl
— Michal Samulski (@MichalSamulski) February 22, 2020
