Djokovic satisfied with return from injury despite loss to Medvedev in Dubai

The Serb said he was pleased his body had held up well in his first tournament back after a month away

Novak Djokovic and Daniil Medvedev Dubai 2023

AI / Reuters / Panoramic

March 3, 2023

When you’ve won 93 titles, including 22 Grand Slam titles, satisfaction is probably judged on a different level to mere mortal players.

But while Novak Djokovic rued too many unforced errors, at key times, in his 6-4, 6-4 defeat by Daniil Medvedev in the semi-finals of the Dubai Open, the world No 1 announced himself satisfied with how he performed on his return from injury, in his first event since winning the Australian Open despite a hamstring tear.

“Oh, lots of positives,” Djokovic said, when asked what he would take from the week. “The way I felt throughout the entire week makes me really satisfied with the current state of my body, not knowing how I’m going to react with the comeback after an injury. I’m really glad.

“I lost to a better opponent. I know that I didn’t play well in some decisive moments, but it was also due to his quality of tennis. That’s it. We move on to the next challenge.”

5 wins over Novak Djokovic, including one in a Slam final, looks good on a tennis résumé. Per @ATPMediaInfo 62 players have faced Djokovic at least three times when he has been ranked No.1 and Medvedev (5-3) is the only one with a winning record. pic.twitter.com/UYbbGOZIxX
— Chris Oddo (@TheFanChild) March 3, 2023

Djokovic may not be able to play again before Monte-Carlo

When that next challenge will be is still unsure, however.

Djokovic is still waiting to hear if he will be allowed into the United States to play Indian Wells and/or Miami. The Serb is currently not allowed to enter the country due to existing rules for non-vaccinated people but with those rules due to be relaxed in May, Djokovic has asked for an exemption.

“I’m still waiting for the news from America. If there’s no America, I guess I’ll play clay. Monte-Carlo is probably the next tournament. If that’s the case, I’ll take some time off, I’ll prepare.

“Clay, as we’ve said, is the most demanding surface. It takes time more than any other surface to prepare for.”