Djokovic Advances to Dubai Championships Semifinals After Straight-Sets Victory

Novak Djokovic continued his dominant start to the 2026 season on Thursday, defeating Italian Lorenzo Musetti 6-4, 6-2 to advance to the semifinals of the Dubai Tennis Championships. The Serbian legend, currently ranked world No. 2, has now won 12 consecutive matches this year and appears to be finding his peak form ahead of the upcoming clay court season.

Djokovic broke Musetti's serve early in the first set and maintained his advantage throughout, showcasing the tactical brilliance and court coverage that have defined his illustrious career. The 38-year-old controlled the baseline exchanges and frustrated his younger opponent with precise shot placement and defensive retrievals.

The second set was even more convincing for Djokovic, who broke serve twice to race to a commanding lead. Musetti, ranked 18th in the world, struggled to find his rhythm against Djokovic's relentless pressure and could only convert one of his six break point opportunities throughout the match.

This has been a perfect week for me so far, Djokovic said in his post-match interview. I feel like my movement is getting better with each match, and my confidence is building. Lorenzo played well, but I was able to execute my game plan effectively.

Djokovic will face either Carlos Alcaraz or Daniil Medvedev in the semifinals, setting up a potential blockbuster encounter. The victory extends his remarkable record in Dubai, where he has won the tournament five times previously and has never lost before the quarterfinal stage.

The result also strengthens Djokovic's position in the race for the year-end No. 1 ranking, though he remains focused on immediate goals. I am taking it one match at a time, he stated. The season is long, and I want to make sure I am playing my best tennis when it matters most at the Grand Slams.