Novak Djokovic admits lack of matches a worry amid continuing schedule uncertainty after Jiri Vesely loss in Dubai

Novak Djokovic admits he needs more matches to get back to his best level amid continuing uncertainty over his schedule this season. Djokovic suffered a surprise defeat to world No 123 Jiri Vesely in Dubai, meaning he will lose the world No 1 ranking to Daniil Medvedev on Monday. Ad/> That was Djokovic’s first tournament of the season and it is unclear where he will play next due to his inability to enter many tournaments without being vaccinated.

ATP DubaiMedvedev to be world number one after Djokovic falls to Vesely in straight sets17 HOURS AGO He will not be able to play in either of the ATP 1000 events in Indian Wells or Miami next month. «I'm lacking a little bit of the match play. You can see that; I'm still finding the groove on the court,” said Djokovic after his loss to Vesely.

“The more matches I play, the more comfortable I get on the court. I need the match play. I didn't have many matches at all last few months.

Let's see. Djokovic to lose No 1 ranking after Vesely loss Zverev handed maximum fine after umpire chair attack »Obviously I'll have to follow the situation, see how it goes. Wherever I get an opportunity to play, I will.

Hopefully that will be soon." After two straight-set wins in Dubai, Djokovic was unable to find his best level against Vesely, who came into the tournament with a 1-5 record for the season. Despite the loss and the uncertainty over when he can play next, Djokovic, 34, says he still remains highly motivated to continue. “My goal is to keep on playing tennis.

That's the ultimate goal. For as long as I really feel like it and as long as I can play. As long as my body allows me, as long as the circumstances in my life as well, the people that surround me [and] support me.