Novak Djokovic cruises to last-16 of Dubai Duty Free Tennis Championship after straight sets win over Lorenzo Musetti

Novak Djokovic cruised to the last-16 of the Dubai Duty Free Tennis Championship after easing to a straight sets victory over Lorenzo Musetti. The world number one secured a 6-3, 6-3 win on the night in what was his first match in competitive tennis since December 3. Ad/> Djokovic was controversially denied the chance to compete at the Australian Open surrounding his unvaccinated Covid-19 status, but the UAE’s more lenient entry requirements saw him return to the court in the Middle East.

ATP AcapulcoNadal: If Djokovic can play Slams unvaccinated, I welcome him12 HOURS AGO He was afforded a hero’s welcome from the crowd in Dubai, as he followed Musetti out onto the court, with chants of ‘Novak, Novak’ during the coin toss. There were also plenty of Serbian flags in attendance too, and the fans saw their support rewarded with a show of supreme confidence from one of the sport’s all-time greats. The five-time Dubai champion was dominant from the start and broke Musetti’s serve to lead 3-1, with the first set done and dusted within 36 minutes.

Nadal: If Djokovic can play Slams unvaccinated, I welcome him Murray fights back to beat O'Connell and reach last-16 Musetti gave Djokovic some cause for concern when he forced four break points in the second set, but he saved them all to win the game and go 4-2 up. It was all over when Musetti sent another forehand long at 5-3, and Djokovic sealed a resounding win. /> “I couldn’t ask for a better reception,” Djokovic said on-court afterwards.

“It’s been a while since I played my last match so I couldn’t have a better place to kickstart the season. The best possible experience for me so thank you for the way you welcomed me on court. “It’s a straight sets win, so I have to be