Dubai Tennis Championships: Djokovic enters quarter-finals for a straight 12 times

Novak Djokovic surged into the quarter-finals of the Dubai Tennis Championships for the 12th time in a row, maintaining his outstanding record. The World No. 1 has won the trophy five times in Dubai and he extended his reigning by upsetting Russia's Karen Khachanov 6-3, 7-6(2) in one hour and 38 minutes.

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After overcoming Lorenzo Musetti in the first round, Djokovic made a winning return to the Tour. The Serb displayed no symptoms of rust in his second match against Khachanov, earning 83% of his first-serve points. As a result, he extended their ATP Head2Head series 5-1.

In a thrilling contest, Djokovic dominated the first set, never facing a break point as he advanced. In the second set, he faced an aggressive barrage from the Russian. Khachanov smashed his groundstrokes to rally from a 2-4 deficit and forced a tie-break. However, in the tie-break, Djokovic reoriented and elevated his game, securing his victory with a ferocious return.

The Serb's statement after the victory

During his on-court interview, he stated, "I was feeling excited and motivated. But also at the same time, I was feeling stressed. Particularly at the moments when I was facing breakpoints. I thought the atmosphere in the stadium was terrific."

"I missed it . This is my life. This is what I have known for the past 20 years. Tennis is my love. I enjoy bringing positive energy and memories for people who watch," the Serb added shortly.

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In the Dubai Tennis Championships quarter-finals, the 34-year-old will face Jiri Vesely next. Also, if Djokovic loses this match, his ranking will be jeopardised, with Daniil Medvedev lurking in the shadows, ready to fill his shoes. As a result, he would give it his all to secure the triumph.