Novak Djokovic Advances to Dubai Semifinals with Dominant Win

Novak Djokovic showcased his championship form on Monday, defeating Italian rising star Lorenzo Musetti 6-3, 6-2 to advance to the semifinals of the Dubai Tennis Championships. The victory marks Djokovic first semifinal appearance of the 2026 season and demonstrates that the 38-year-old remains a formidable force on the ATP tour.

The Serbian maestro controlled the match from the opening game, using his superior court positioning and tactical awareness to neutralize Musettis aggressive baseline play. Djokovic converted four of his seven break point opportunities while never facing a break point on his own serve, highlighting his mental toughness in crucial moments.

Musetti, ranked 18th in the world, showed flashes of brilliance with his single-handed backhand and creative shot-making, but ultimately could not match Djokovics consistency and experience in high-pressure situations. The 22-year-old Italian managed just 12 winners compared to Djokovics 18, while committing 23 unforced errors to the champions 11.

This performance represents a significant step forward for Djokovic, who has been working his way back to peak form following a challenging start to the 2026 season. His movement appeared fluid and his serve was particularly effective, winning 82 percent of points on his first serve and hitting six aces without a single double fault.

Djokovic will face either third-seeded Alexander Zverev or wild card recipient Stefanos Tsitsipas in Thursdays semifinal. The winner of that match would represent a major statement as the tennis world prepares for the upcoming Indian Wells Masters 1000 tournament.

With this victory, Djokovic extends his remarkable record in Dubai, where he has now won 23 consecutive sets dating back to his last tournament appearance in 2023. His pursuit of a sixth Dubai title continues as he seeks to add to his impressive collection of ATP hardware and build momentum heading into the crucial spring hard court season.