Novak Djokovic avoids scare to beat Tomas Machac in Dubai thriller in first appearance since Australian Open

Novak Djokovic avoided a scare to beat Tomas Machac 6-3 3-6 7-6(1) at the Dubai Tennis Championships in his first match since winning a 10th Australian Open title.

An entertaining match saw Machac play some superb tennis to take the encounter to a final set tie-break but Djokovic showed his class when it mattered to find a way over the line.

Djokovic, who has won the ATP 500 event in Dubai five times, will play Tallon Griekspoor in the last 16 on Wednesday.

Unforced errors from Machac gave Djokovic a break to go 3-1 up, but the Czech player broke back immediately.

However, Djokovic began to find his rhythm with the backhand and broke for a second time which proved to be decisive as he went on to wrap up the set in 37 minutes.

Knowing how most players fare against the 22-time Grand Slam champion when going a set down, Machac started to go for his shots and he broke Djokovic in the second game, before going 3-0 up.

Djokovic began to miss his forehand and could only create one break point chance at 5-3 down, which he couldn’t take as Machac hit a superb backhand winner down the line and held serve to win the set.

At deuce, during the second game of the decider, Machac required the trainer due to what appeared to be a hand or wrist injury.

He held his nerve to win the game but was broken two games later by Djokovic, who went 3-1 up thanks to a love break.

Just when it looked like Djokovic was going to romp away, Machac broke back and was level at 4-4 after more brilliant shot-making.

The next four games were shared so the match went to a final set tie-break where Djokovic showed his class with some incredible winners to get over the line in a thriller.

Elsewhere, Dan Evans retired after four games against Borna Coric due to an injury.

It means there are no Brits left in the competition as Evans, who had strapping to his right ankle, was the only sole representation following Andy Murray’s withdrawal.

Felix Auger-Aliassime dug deep to beat American Maxime Cressy 7-6(4) 3-6 6-3 whilst Daniil Medvedev had a more comfortable 6-4 6-2 victory over Matteo Arnaldi.

– – –