Novak Djokovic Advances to Dubai Championships Quarterfinals

Novak Djokovic continued his impressive start to the 2026 season with a hard-fought 6-4, 7-6(3) victory over Karen Khachanov in the third round of the Dubai Tennis Championships on Sunday. The 24-time Grand Slam champion showed remarkable resilience to overcome a determined challenge from the Russian, securing his place in the quarterfinals.

The match proved to be a stern test for Djokovic, who had to save four break points in the opening set before taking it 6-4. Khachanov, known for his powerful groundstrokes, kept pace with the Serbian throughout most of the encounter, particularly in the second set where neither player could establish a decisive advantage.

The second set went to a tiebreak after both players held serve effectively. Djokovic's experience showed in the crucial moments as he raced to a 5-1 lead in the breaker before closing it out 7-3. His ability to raise his level during the most important points once again proved decisive.

"Karen played exceptionally well today," Djokovic said in his post-match interview. "He's always been a tough opponent for me, and today was no different. I had to dig deep and find my best tennis when it mattered most. I'm pleased with how I handled the pressure situations."

The victory extends Djokovic's winning streak to 12 matches, dating back to his triumph at the Australian Open last month. His form suggests he remains the player to beat as the tour heads into the crucial spring hard-court season.

Djokovic will face either Andrey Rublev or Felix Auger-Aliassime in the quarterfinals, with both matches scheduled for later today. The Serbian is seeking his sixth Dubai title and appears well-positioned to add another trophy to his already remarkable collection.