Djokovic seeks to regain title at Dubai Open

World number two aims to overcome Federer.

DUBAI: Novak Djokovic’s triumph in Melbourne saw him avenge a defeat in the US Open final to his most contemporary rival, Andy Murray, making him a strong favourite to win back the title at the Dubai Open, which starts tomorrow.

To do that Djokovic will probably need to overcome the man who took it away from him —Roger Federer, the world number two, who often plays outstandingly well here, and has won the title five times.

Even if Federer were to triumph for a sixth time, it is hard to see him making up his 3,000-point gap with Djokovic because he has settled on a more limited schedule to preserve himself in his 32nd year.

“I’ve had an incredible run here over the years but I have got to be really focused and confident about my own form and hope to start well,” said Federer, referring obliquely to his Dubai debacle five years ago.

Then, as defending champion, he was landed with a first round against Murray, and fell at the first hurdle.

This time he has a more fortunate-looking opener — against Malek Jaziri, a wild card player from Tunisia.

It may quickly get tougher though, for Federer has a possible quarter-final with Jo-Wilfried Tsonga, his conqueror at Wimbledon in 2011, and a possible semi-final with Tomas Berdych, who beat him at Wimbledon in 2010 and at the US Open last year.

Published in The Express Tribune, February 25^th, 2013.