Dubai Open 2022: Djokovic back in business with his first win in 2022

Djokovic silenced the naysayers by conquering his first match of 2022 in the Dubai Open, despite all the conjecture and controversies surrounding his present form. The Serb began his 2022 campaign by defeating Italian teenager Lorenzo Musetti in straight sets (6-3, 6-3).

Djokovic was unable to protect his Australian Open title earlier after being deported due to the lack of vaccination. However, The United Arab Emirates authorised him to compete. He utilised the opportunity correctly in a tournament he has won five times before.

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Musetti stunned Djokovic in two sets at the French Open last year. But the Italian stallion was unable to execute a slew of opportunities whilst lagging 3-1 in the first set and 4-2 in the second.

After the victory, Djokovic stated, "I have to be satisfied with my tennis. Especially after not playing for two and a half, three months. Of course, there were moments when I played great. There were moments when I made a couple of unforced errors in a row uncharacteristically. But it's normal to expect that in my first match after a while."

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His encounter against Musetti was his first competitive match ever since Davis Cup Finals in December.

Top-seeded Djokovic advanced to the last 16 in just 74 minutes on Monday, where he will confront either Karen Khachanov or Alex de Minaur.