Novak Djokovic Loses In Dubai; Daniil Medevev Will Take Over As Tennis’ World No. 1

Novak Djokovic’s reign as world No. 1 is over.

Russian Daniil Medvedev will overtake Djokovic for the world’s top spot after Djokovic was upset by Jiri Vesely of the Czech Republic, 6-4, 7-6(4), in the quarterfinals in Dubai. Vesley, ranked No. 123 in the world, improved to 2-0 against Djokovic, the 20-time Grand Slam champion.

Medvedev, 26, will become the 27th man to ascend to No. 1 in the ATP Rankings when they come out on Monday. The Russian is currently playing in Acapulco where he is due to face Japan’s Yoshihito Nishioka in the quarterfinals later Thursday.

“It’s great for tennis to have somebody new at world No. 1 again,” Vesely said on court. “We all know Novak missed the Australian Open but anyway he’s such a champion, he’s been world No. 1 361 weeks so tennis needs of course new No. 1s. A new generation is coming up and I think it’s just great.”

It will mark the first time since American Andy Roddick was No. 1 in 2004 that a member of the “Big 4” of Djokovic, Roger Federer, Rafael Nadal and Andy Murray won’t hold the top ranking.

“It’s in his hands. He deserves to be No. 1,” Djokovic said before his season debut Monday in Dubai. “Eventually it’s going to happen. If it happens this week, I’ll be the first one to congratulate him… The only scenario that I have in my head is to win every match that I play here.”

Djokovic has been No. 1 in the world for a record total of 361 weeks, including 86 straight. Nadal was the last to be No. 1 before Djokovic on Feb. 2, 2020. Djokovic has been a year-end No. 1 a record seven times.

“When you’re young you feel like it’s impossible, so that’s why you dream about it,” Medvedev said of his hopes to one day stand atop the ATP rankings. “When it becomes closer to you, you dream less about it and do more to achieve it.”

Over the last 12 months the Russian has made seven finals, won four titles, and captured a first major at the US Open, where he ended Djokovic’s historic bid at a calendar Grand Slam.

“It’s not even a dream anymore, it’s a goal to play well these next three tournaments,” he said. “If I manage to do it, I’m going to have a chance, and if I don’t, then it’s my fault in a way, but it’s also an experience, so that’s what I’m going to try to do.”

Serving for the match at 6-5, 5-4, Vesely faced double-break point at 15-40, but won two straight points, cranking out his eighth ace to force deuce. But Djokovic ended up breaking him for 5-all.

In the tiebreak, Vesely raced out to a 3-0 lead with some aggressive play, coming to net for a putaway volley to go up 3-0. The left-hander went up 6-4 with a deeply angled backhand that Djokovic hit into the net.

On match point, Vesely smacked a forehand winner into the open court and then embraced Djokovic at the net.

Vesely, 28, survived a serious accident last August in which his car was destroyed. He also had a brush with Covid.

“I have so many emotions inside, it’s just hard to describe,” he said after beating Djokovic. “It’s just an amazing feeling.”

Djokovic was playing in his first event of 2022 after he was deported ahead of the Australian Open because of his failure to get vaccinated against Covid-19. Nadal went on to win the title, coming from two sets down against Medvedev for his record 21st major title.

Djokovic’s status for future tournaments remains in question, and he admitted this week he may not be able to play Indian Wells and Miami in March. His status for the French Open beginning in late May is also in doubt. The Serb has said he’s willing to miss the French Open and future Grand Slams over his vaccination status.

Medvedev and Djokovic remain close friends, and Djokovic texted Medvedev 45 minutes after the Russian lost the Australian Open final to Nadal. Medvedev said he hopes to carry on Djokovic’s spirit as world No. 1.

“Every time I’ve achieved something—and not only me, as we can see with many players—Novak always congratulates everyone,” Medvedev said. “To be honest, we all know sometimes—and I know better than anybody—that we’re all competitive and so sometimes during a match, there can be something with the fans, the opponent, referees…anything. He can sometimes get really angry in some moments, as well, but I don’t think, maybe not since he was much younger, but at least when I came on tour, you’ll find one match where Novak says something bad about his opponent or doesn’t congratulate him.

“That’s how he is, so I’m sure if I achieve No. 1, it’ll be like this, but I have to do it first!”