DUBAI, United Arab Emirates (AP) — Novak Djokovic shook off the rust to beat Cedrik-Marcel Stebe 6-4, 6-2 Monday and reach the second round of the Dubai Tennis Championships in his first match since winning the Australian Open.
The top-ranked Serb has not played a match in nearly four weeks — and it showed. He broke the 72nd-ranked German to go up 1-0 but had to save two break points in the fourth game. Stebe pushed the set to 5-4 and deuce before Djokovic hit his first ace and another good serve which the German returned long.
Djokovic had an easier second set, breaking twice. He won the match with his third ace and another serve that Stebe couldn’t return.
Djokovic, going for a fourth consecutive Dubai title, is 8-0 this year.
