Dubai presents possible Murray Djokovic showdown with Brit’s confirmation

Both Novak Djokovic and Andy Murray are now set to take to the hard courts in Dubai later this month, with the chance they could set their first clash in half a decade. 

World number one Djokovic is set to return to competitive tennis for the first time since the Davis Cup Finals in December when the ATP 500 event in Dubai kicks off on 21st February.

Meanwhile, the tournament announced today that former world number one Murray will join his rival at the tournament, his first appearance since winning the trophy in 2017.

“We are delighted to welcome Andy Murray to Dubai once again,” tournament director Sala Tahlak said.

“Despite the limitations that a succession of injuries have placed upon him, there is absolutely no question that his remarkable competitive spirit is as strong as ever and that he can still challenge the very best in the sport.

“Clearly, no one can write off his chance of success and it will be very interesting indeed to see him compete against such a strong field here.”

Below Slam and Masters 1000 level, Djokovic and Murray have not competed at the same event since Queen’s in June 2018.

Moreover, the duo have not done battle since January 2017, when they met in the final of that year’s Qatar Open.

At that time, Murray was world number one, having achieved the feat at the back end of the previous season, while Djokovic was ranked second.

The Serb won that final to bring their career head-to-head to 25-11 in his favour.

With Murray now ranked outside the top 50, there is every chance that he could draw top seed and five-time champion Djokovic in the first round of this year’s Dubai, if not a round or two later.

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