"The year I wanted to play Novak, it doesn't come" - Malek Jaziri jokes, recalls playing Novak Djokovic and Roger Federer
In a recent media interaction, Novak Djokovic spoke about his camaraderie with Malek Jaziri as the latter announced the 2023 Dubai Tennis Championships to be his last tournament before hanging up his racquet.
The Tunisian returned the sentiments in a post-match press conference. While he lost in the opening round to Alejandro Davidovich Fokina, fans gave him a standing ovation as he left the stadium. With a career spanning 20 years, the 39-year old has been an influential figure in tennis, particularly in the Tunisian, North African and Arab regions.
When asked about his most memorable match at the tournament, he looked back and made a special mention of his matches with the Serb. He also recalled his opening-round match of the 2013 edition of the tournament against former World No. 1 Roger Federer.
"For sure I remember the matches against Novak. Full house. It's amazing. I played Roger, the year I took a set. It is special as well. This tournament been very, very special for me," Jaziri said.
On a lighter note, speaking about how special his matches with Djokovic have been, Jaziri feigned surprise at not having a top seed or World No. 1 in his draw the year he was looking forward to it.
"Before they make the draw, actually I'm surprised I don't play seeded 1 or No. 1. The year I wanted to play Novak, it doesn't come," he joked.
He concluded by thanking his family and fans. He also thanked all his coaches and looked forward to the future.
"All good. I'm very thankful for everything. Thank you for my family, for the fans. Thank you for you guys. All the coaches that been... For everyone help me from my beginning of career. I'm very thankful for everyone. Let's see what's next," he added.
While Jaziri bids adieu to his fans, Djokovic will play against Czech qualifier Tomas Machac in the first round of the tournament on Tuesday, February 28.
Novak Djokovic praises Malek Jaziri as the Tunisian marks career end at the Dubai Tennis Championships 2023
In a media interaction, Novak Djokovic praised his peer Malek Jaziri ahead of his 2023 Dubai Tennis Championship campaign.
The Tunisian won his first tour-level title at the Davis Cup in 2005 and was one of five Arab men to ever reach the top 50 in the rankings in 2019.
Statistics apart, the 22-time Grand Slam champion spoke about Jaziri as an important figure in men's tennis, particularly in the Arab region and also appreciated the organizers for giving him a wildcard as a platform to bid adeiu to fans
"He was one of the most important players coming from the Arab region in the past 10, 15 years. So it’s great that he got the wildcard. It’s very nice of the tournament to give him this last opportunity in a way, to say goodbye," he said.
The World No. 1 will now look to achieve his sixth title at the tournament and faces Tomas Machac on Tuesday, February 28 in the Round of 32.