Novak Has Routine Win in Dubai

Novak Djokovic has routine win in Dubai Duty Free Tennis Championships

By Jawad Bisharat          2/25/15

As easily predicted Novak Djokovic dismantled Andrey Golubev 6-1, 6-2 in just over an hour at the Dubai Duty Free Tennis Championships today.

Djokovic increased his first serve percentage to 61% from 50% just a day prior. However he only hit 1 ace in his routine win and quest for 5th Dubai title.

“Having one match under my belt before today's encounter helped me to feel a bit more comfortable to move around on the court quicker, and I tried to take away the time from my opponent today,” said Djokovic. “It was just a much better performance than yesterday. Hopefully I can improve as the tournament progresses.”

Novak will face qualifier Marsel Ilhan who upset the left handed Spaniard and #6 seed Feliciano Lopez. Lopez admittedly came into the tournament under the weather...or lets hope that was the reason he was upset by the #104th player in the world. 

Federer, Murray and Berdych also move on to the QF's.

Although I am a definite fan of Marcus Baghdatis, I am surprised and disappointed by how he ended his match today. Who retires from a match during a 3rd set tiebreaker? This is one I have never seen before in my 35 years of watching tennis. Why not just play a few more points and give your opponent the win?? He didn't break his ankle, he had cramps, suck it up for 2 more minutes Marcus, you're better than that. 

Djokovic Overcomes Pospisil in Dubai

Djokovic Overcomes Pospisil in Dubai Duty Free Tennis Championships

By Jawad Bisharat  2/24/15 

Number 1 player in the world Novak Djokovic has a standard 6-4 6-4 victory over Vasek Pospisil in the Dubai Duty Free Tennis Championship. 

Although Novak served at only 50% first serve percentage he won 78% of those points and 60% of second serve points which proved to be enough to secure the match. 

Pospisil was only able to win 33% of his second serve points. This puts a lot of pressure on your service game and and against the best returner in the world you have a slim chance of winning a set. As the old adage says "you're only as good as your second serve".

"I'm still looking for that rhythm on the court," said Novak following the match. "But I managed to stay mentally tough. I was patient in rallies, I thought. As soon as we get through the rally, I have a better chance of winning. He's a very flashy player, aggressive, goes after his shots."

Next up for Djokovic is Andrey Golubev who is currently ranked #107 in the ATP ranking but was as high as #33 in the world back in 2010. Golubev has proven he can compete with the best in the world when he defeated #3 Stan Wawrinka in Davis Cup QF match in 2014.

In other notible matches, F. Lopez, Andy Murray and F. Verdasco all move on to 2nd round. 

Twitter: @1stserveace