Novak Djokovic has lost his world number one spot to Daniil Medvedev after the world number one lost to Jiri Vesely in the Dubai quarter-finals 6-4 7-6(4).
Djokovic was broken on three occasions as he couldn’t neutralise the aggressive play of the Czech Republican.
Vesely, who beat Bautista Agut in the last round, powered past Djokovic to reach the last four where he will face Ricardas Berankis or Denis Shapovalov.
Djokovic, who is playing his first tournament of the season, got off to a poor start as Vesely’s return was causing problems as the Czech Republican broke on the third opportunity in the opening game.
After taking a 2-0 advantage, Vesely played more passively allowing Djokovic back into the match.
As the set went on the world number one improved his defensive skills and level of play as he reeled off three games in a row.
However an undeterred Vesely came roaring back in the seventh game as he broke in a long break to take a 4-3 lead.
That’s all the qualifier needed as he would close out the opening set comfortably to seize control of the match.
In the second set Djokovic started much stronger with two of his opening three holds of serve being to love.
Vesely continued to grind out service holds as tension began to rise the longer the set went on without a break of serve.
The Czech Republican drew first blood in the seventh game for a 4-3 lead and will hold off Djokovic resistance to hold.
However the pressure saw Vesely make crucial and uncharacteristic mistakes as Djokovic would break back for 5-5 as this set was there for the taking.
A tiebreak would settle the match and Vesely managed to control his aggression better to seal one of the best wins of his career.
As for Djokovic he loses his world number one spot with Daniil Medvedev set to take his place on Monday.
With the Serb’s participation at Indian Wells questionable, it remains to be seen when Djokovic’s next tournament will be.
