Novak Djokovic Advances to Dubai Championships Semifinals

Novak Djokovic showcased his championship pedigree once again, rallying from an early deficit to defeat Andrey Rublev 6-4, 6-2 in the quarterfinals of the Dubai Tennis Championships on Tuesday. The 24-time Grand Slam champion demonstrated why he remains the worlds top-ranked player, advancing to his third consecutive Dubai semifinal.

Rublev started aggressively, taking an early 3-1 lead in the opening set with powerful groundstrokes that had Djokovic scrambling across the baseline. The Russian sixth seed appeared poised to claim the first set before Djokovics experience began to show. The Serbian legend adjusted his return position, neutralized Rublevs power game, and won five consecutive games to capture the opener.

The momentum shift proved decisive as Djokovic dominated the second set from the outset. His trademark defensive skills frustrated Rublev, who committed 23 unforced errors compared to just 8 for the defending champion. Djokovic broke serve twice in the second set, sealing victory with an exquisite drop shot winner that left Rublev stranded at the baseline.

Speaking after the match, Djokovic praised his opponents fighting spirit while acknowledging the challenge ahead. "Andrey is always a tough competitor, especially in these conditions," Djokovic said. "I had to raise my level significantly in the second set. The courts here suit my game well, but every match from here will be increasingly difficult."

The victory extends Djokovics remarkable Dubai record to 38-8, including titles in 2009, 2010, 2011, 2013, and 2023. He will face either Carlos Alcaraz or Jannik Sinner in Fridays semifinal, setting up a potential blockbuster encounter with one of tennis rising stars. Both younger players have pushed Djokovic to his limits in recent Grand Slam meetings.

Rublev, despite the loss, can take positives from his week in Dubai after struggling with consistency early in the 2026 season. The 28-year-old showed flashes of the form that carried him to eight ATP titles last year, but ultimately couldn succumb to Djokovics superior court craft and mental fortitude in the crucial moments.