"He's a contender for Grand Slam titles, no doubt" - Novak Djokovic hails Daniil Medvedev after Dubai loss

Novak Djokovic hailed Daniil Medvedev as an undisputed Grand Slam contender after losing to the Russian in the Dubai Tennis Championships semifinals on Friday (March 3).

The top seed was riding a 20-match winning streak, including 15 this season, but came unstruck against Medvedev, who was himself on a 12-match winning run. In the blockbuster last-four clash, Djokovic found himself two breaks down. Although he retrieved one of the breaks back, the Russian made no mistake at the second time of asking to clinch the opener.

In a tighter second set, it was once again Medvedev who drew first blood. He held on to his break advantage to hand Djokovic his first loss in 16 matches this year.

At his post-match press conference, Djokovic hailed the Russian for his level of play over the last few years:

"He's a former No. 1 and a Grand Slam winner. He has grown to be one of the most important players in the world in the last five-plus years. His place is definitely top 10 - top five I would say."

The Serb continued:

"It was just a matter of time when he's going to be a contender for Grand Slam titles. He is a contender for Grand Slam titles, no doubt. We can never underestimate Daniil."

Medvedev will take on compatriot and defending champion Andrey Rublev in the Dubai Tennis Championships final on Saturday (March 4).

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"Monte Carlo is probably my next tournament" - Novak Djokovic

Novak Djokovic

Novak Djokovic's participation at the Indian Wells and Miami Masters this month appears unlikely due to his COVID-19 vaccination stance.

The US has relaxed rules for unvaccinated foreigners, but that only comes into effect next month (April 10). So barring a relaxation in the rules or a medical exemption, Djokovic cannot play in either tournament.

In that scenario, the Serb's next stop will be at the European claycourt swing, which starts in Monte Carlo next month. Djokovic said as much in his press conference:

"If there's no America, I guess I'll play clay. Monte-Carlo is probably the next tournament. If that's the case, I'll take some time off, I'll prepare. Clay, as we've said, is the most demanding surface. It takes time more than any other surface to prepare for."

The World No. 1 endured an opening-round exit at the Principality last year (losing to Alejandro Davidovich Fokina). This means he stands to gain points by making a deep run.

The two-time champion has a 35-13 record at the Masters 1000 event.