Novak Djokovic was full of praise for Hubert Hurkacz after defeating the Pole 6-3 7-5 to reach the semi-finals in Dubai.
The Serb still hasn’t lost since losing the final at the ATP Masters 1000 event in Paris after Djokovic beat Hurkacz in straight sets in Dubai.
After winning both Adelaide and the Australian Open, Djokovic had arrived in some doubts to his fitness after suffering a hamstring injury in Melbourne.
However after a tough opening round win over Tomas Machac, Djokovic has responded in convincing fashion after defeating Tallon Griekspoor and Hubert Hurkacz in straight sets.
After his win over Hurkacz Djokovic had some positive things to say about the Pole about his personality and on-court talent, “It was a challenging match as it always is against Hubert. One of the best guys on the Tour, definitely,” Djokovic told the ATP website.
“Fantastic personality. Very lovable guy, a great relationship with everyone. He’s always respectful. I wish him all the best for the rest of the season. I think he’s got one of the best serves in the game, so in the second set until that 11th game in the second set, I didn’t really have too many chances against his serve.
“He was winning his service games comfortably. Fortunately for me, I also found the rhythm on my serve throughout the second set and held my serve. Love-30 at 5-4 for him, found a couple of good serves, good plays. Really one or two points can always decide [the winner] of matches like this.
“There’s not much that is separating both players. But I’m really, really glad with the way I played under pressure.”
Djokovic will be pleased with his level of play under pressure as he looks to pick up some valuable ranking points in Dubai.
Next for Djokovic will be either Borna Coric or Daniil Medvedev in what promises to be a thrilling semi-final.
The first semi-final in Dubai will see Alexander Zverev take on Andrey Rublev.
Zverev has had the best week in some time after a 7-5 6-4 victory over Lorenzo Sonego.
Meanwhile Rublev defeated Botic Van De Zandschulp 6-3 7-6(3) to secure his spot in the last four.
Heading into tomorrow’s clash, Zverev overwhelmingly leads the head-to-head 5-0.
