Novak Djokovic back in action after drama

Dubai, February 22

Novak Djokovic won his first match of the year when he beat Lorenzo Musetti 6-3 6-3 to open the Dubai Championships here.

Djokovic couldn’t defend his Australian Open title last month because he was deported from the country for being unvaccinated.

The United Arab Emirates allowed him entry, and Djokovic cashed in at a tournament he’s won five times.

Musetti took two sets off Djokovic at the French Open last year but, on a breezy Dubai evening, the Italian wildcard couldn’t convert bags of break chances while trailing 3-1 in the first set and 4-2 in the second on Monday.

“I have to be satisfied with my tennis, especially after not playing for two-and-a-half, three months,” Djokovic said on court. Andy Murray won his first match in Dubai since his title run in 2017. He beat Christopher O’Connell 6-7(4) 6-3 7-5. — AP

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