Another baptism by fire for Jaziri

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Dubai - It was no laughing matter this but then it is what it is and Jaziri is prepared to go up against the 17-time Grand Slam champion.

By James Jose

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Published: Sat 22 Feb 2020, 6:17 PM

Last updated: Sat 22 Feb 2020, 8:26 PM

Arab star Malek Jaziri couldn't quite believe his luck, or the lack of it, after the draw for the ATP Dubai Duty Free Tennis Championships was made on Saturday.
The Tunisian, who made it all the way to the semifinal here two years ago, will undergo a baptism by fire in the opening round this year.
The 36-year-old has been drawn to play none other than top seed and world No.1 Novak Djokovic and he couldn't help but break into a laugh.
It was no laughing matter this but then it is what it is and Jaziri is prepared to go up against the 17-time Grand Slam champion.
And Jaziri reckoned that facing the Serb, who last month won a record eighth Australian Open, could in fact turn out to be a blessing in disguise as it will be a good gauge to see where he stands.
Jaziri is on a comeback trail of sorts after being plagued with injuries. He was ranked a career-best No.42 last year, but has now fallen to No.259.
"2019 was really hard for me, a lot of injuries. So, I didn't play regularly. At the end of the year, I was ok, physically, I was better. So, I went to some challengers but I still missed matches," Jaziri said on Saturday.
"I had a good pre-season this year, coming back slowly. Beginning of the year, I played in Pune last week, and played some challengers as well to get in rhythm. Still not the rhythm that I want but I'm improving every day, every week I'm getting much better and these kinds of matches against Novak (Djokovic) are good. It is good motivation for me and it is good to see where I aml, see my level," he added.
It is not the first time Jaziri is facing Djokovic here in Dubai, though. He had met him in the round of 16 in 2016.
Jaziri had reached the 2018 semifinal after shocking world No.4 Grigor Dimitrov in the first round, Robin Haase in the second and Stefanos Tsitsipas in the quarterfinal before going down to eventual champion Roberto Bautista Agut.
But the rub of the green was not with him as he had faced world No.2 Roger Federer in the first round in 2013, Djokovic in 2016, and world No.1 Andy Nurray in the first round in 2017.
"I played him here in 2016. He's the toughest opponent I've ever played. When you look at the draw and you are playing the top seed or the second seed, it is not easy. But then, you never know in tennis. It is better to play against a top player in the first round than in a quarterfinal," felt Jaziri.
"I have nothing to lose. I will be playing against a player who is playing his best tennis right now. He just won a Grand Slam and he's full of confidence. I will give my best and enjoy this game. It is a chance to see my level and come back to where I want it to be. It is a great opportunity for me to see my level and see where I have to work. I have a lot of respect for Novak (Djokovic)," he added.
james@khaleejtimes.com


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