Novak Djokovic Advances to Dubai Semi-Finals with Straight Sets Victory

Novak Djokovic continued his impressive start to the 2026 season with a commanding 6-4, 6-3 victory over Roberto Bautista Agut in the Dubai Tennis Championships quarter-finals on Tuesday. The 24-time Grand Slam champion needed just 89 minutes to dispatch the experienced Spaniard and secure his place in the semi-finals.

The Serbian showed no signs of rust despite taking a brief break following his Australian Open triumph last month. Djokovic broke serve early in both sets and never looked troubled by Bautista Agut, who has traditionally been a tough opponent for many top players. The victory marked Djokovic's 15th consecutive win dating back to Melbourne.

Djokovic's serve was particularly impressive, winning 82% of points on his first serve and facing just two break points throughout the match. His return game was equally dominant, as he converted three of his five break point opportunities and consistently pressured the Bautista Agut serve with his deep, aggressive groundstrokes.

The 36-year-old looked sharp in all areas of his game, showcasing the exceptional movement and court coverage that have defined his career. His backhand down the line was particularly effective, winning several crucial points and drawing errors from his opponent. The efficiency of his performance suggests he is rounding into top form as the season progresses.

In the semi-finals, Djokovic will face either third seed Daniil Medvedev or rising star Jannik Sinner in what promises to be a fascinating clash. The Serbian has a strong record in Dubai, having won the title in 2020 and reaching the final in 2021. His victory today extends his remarkable record in the emirate to 23-4.

Speaking after the match, Djokovic expressed satisfaction with his performance and looked ahead to the challenges that await. "I felt very good out there today. Roberto is never an easy opponent, but I managed to execute my game plan perfectly. The conditions here in Dubai suit my game well, and I'm feeling more confident with each match." The champion will look to continue his winning streak as he pursues his sixth Dubai title this weekend.