Novak Djokovic says ”the new generations are coming, but I’m not afraid’ after reaching Dubai quarters

Novak Djokovic says he is “not afraid” of the next generations coming to threaten his place at the top of the game.

After missing large chunks of last season due to travel restrictions, Djokovic has looked back to his best over the last six months.

He has lost just one match since returning in October 2023 and this year has won the Adelaide International and Australian Open.

It has been expected for the last few years that younger players would come through to challenge Djokovic and Rafael Nadal for Grand Slam titles, but so far that has largely not materialised as expected.

Djokovic will next face either Hubert Hurkacz or Pavel Kotov.

The world No. 1 was pushed to a final-set tie-break in his opening match in Dubai but looked much more impressive against Griekspoor as he won 6-2 6-3 in 82 minutes.

“It’s been a great evening for me tonight,” said Djokovic in his on-court interview.

“Yesterday I really had to work hard to get a win. Tonight, right from the blocks, I think I was sharp. I played definitely better-quality tennis than I did last night.

“Maybe the last three or four games weren’t the best to close the match, but I managed to find a good serve in the end. I’m very pleased with the performance and with the way I felt on the court, and hopefully things can go in the right direction for tomorrow.”

Djokovic hit 29 winners and broke four times against Griekspoor, who entered the match with a 12-3 record this season.

He also fired down four love holds in a strong serving display.

“[My level was] much closer to the best level tonight than it was yesterday,” said Djokovic.

“I probably didn’t expect to play that well tonight, considering last night’s match. But here we go, every day is a new day, a new opportunity, and I’m really glad that I played this well tonight.

“He’s got a lot of firepower in his game. His serve and forehand, those are two of his favourite shots. He tries to dictate the points from the back of the court with the forehand, and I knew that I had to take the time away from him.”

Djokovic is into his 378th week as world No. 1, breaking Steffi Graf’s all-time record.