DUBAI, United Arab Emirates — Playing his first match since winning the Australian Open, top-seeded Novak Djokovic beat Tommy Robredo of Spain 6-1, 6-2 on Monday in the first round of the Dubai Tennis Championships. Djokovic's victory brought him one match away from his 700th career singles match win.
"Every milestone is very special, of course," Djokovic said. "I wish that I make the 700th win in this tournament, obviously."
Djokovic, a previous four-time champion in Dubai, took three weeks off after beating Andy Murray in the Australian Open final for his 11th Grand Slam title. He never faced a break point against the 39th-ranked Robredo.