Djokovic Junior Beaten By Golubev

© Dubai Duty Free Tennis ChampionshipsAndrey Golubev defeated Novak Djokovic's younger brother, Marko.

Marko Djokovic is still searching for his first victory on the ATP World Tour after he was defeated 6-3, 6-2 by Kazakhstani qualifier Andrey Golubev on the opening day of the Dubai Duty Free Tennis Championships on Monday.

Djokovic, younger brother of Dubai defending champion Novak, broke in the opening game but soon struggled. He had to fight off two break points to hold for 2-0 before Golubev levelled at 3-3, and a big forehand forced an error to give Golubev a second break for 5-3.

Djokovic held a break point as Golubev served for the set but he made a backhand error, and Golubev went on to take the set.

Golubev then broke for 1-0 in the second set when Djokovic double-faulted, and he kept the Serbian under pressure as he held a break point for 3-0. But although he held off that threat, a further break at 4-2 left Golubev serving for the match.

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"I didn't give my best as I could do, but there was a lot of pressure and I tried," said Djokovic, who was playing only his third match on the ATP World Tour. "I was running as much as possible, even though I couldn't hit that good. So it was a really good experience."

After American No. 1 Mardy Fish makes his debut in afternoon play, and Novak Djokovic begins the defence of his title on Monday evening against Cedric-Marcel Stebe, six of the world’s top 10 will be in action on Terrific Tuesday.

Four-time former champion Roger Federer faces Michael Llodra who will be fresh off his appearance in the Marseille final, and Australian Open semi-finalist Andy Murray will take on qualifier and 2010 Dubai quarter-finalist Michael Berrer.

Among others bidding to reach the second round are Wimbledon 2011 semi-finalist Jo-Wilfried Tsonga, 2011 Beijing winner Tomas Berdych, 2012 Chennai runner-up Janko Tipsarevic and last week’s Marseille champion Juan Martin del Potro.

"Tennis fans can be sure of a fantastic day and night of tennis from nearly every one of the world’s top players," said tournament director Salah Tahlak. "Over the 20 year history of the Dubai Duty Free Tennis Championships several of the biggest names in the game have fallen in their opening match and, such is the high level of competition again this year, none of the top stars can be guaranteed of success."

The Dubai Duty Free Tennis Championships is owned and organised by Dubai Duty Free and held under the patronage of H.H. Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice-President and Prime Minister of the UAE and Ruler of Dubai. Play in the $2 million ATP World Tour 500 event continues until 3rd March and features eight of the world’s top 10 including Novak Djokovic, Roger Federer, Andy Murray and Jo-Wilfried Tsonga.