Nole withstood a difficult second spherical encounter towards Karen Khachanov on Tuesday, staying on target for the sixth crown on the Aviation Membership Tennis Centre.

World no.1 Novak Djokovic defeated Twenty sixth-ranked Karen Khachanov 6-3, 7-6 (2) on Tuesday night on the Dubai Obligation Free Tennis Championships in his second match of the season, to maneuver into the quarter-finals on the ATP 500 occasion.

Novak introduced his greatest recreation within the essential moments of the match. He didn’t face a break level within the first set, and broke his rival as soon as, within the fourth recreation.

The second set was far more aggressive. The highest-seeded Serbian star transformed his break level probability within the third recreation, however Khachanov responded by breaking again within the eighth recreation to degree at 4-all. The five-time former champion was assured and dominant in a tie-break. He gained it 7-2, extending his W/L file in Dubai to 43-6.

“I used to be feeling excited and motivated,” Djokovic stated. “But in addition on the similar time I used to be feeling pressured. Notably on the moments after I was dealing with break factors. I’m glad that I managed to remain centered after I misplaced two consecutive video games. I knew that I’d have an opportunity within the tie-break, balls had been a bit fluffy, which suited me. The environment within the stadium was terrific. Full stands, it was phenomenal. That is what we play for. I missed it [playing competitively]. That is my life. Tennis is my love. I having fun with bringing optimistic power and reminiscences for individuals who watch.”

Novak gained 83% of his first-serve factors to enhance to 5-1 towards Khachanov of their ATP H2H sequence. He was additionally convincing on internet approaches, 11/13 (85%).

Match statistics: aces (6-2), double faults (3-2), winners (22-18), unforced errors (15-17), whole factors gained (72-60).

Subsequent up for the 20-time Grand Slam titlist is a qualifier, Jiri Vesely. The Czech upset no.8 seed Roberto Bautista Agut (ESP), recording a straight-sets victory, 6-2, 6-4.

The quarter-final match is scheduled on Wednesday at 19:00 native time/16:00 CET.

Djokovic has lifted the trophy in Dubai 5 instances (2009, 2010, 2011, 2013 and 2020).

Photograph: EPA-EFE / Ali Haider