Novak Djokovic loses World No. 1 spot to Daniil Medvedev after shock loss in Dubai championship

The Serbian superstar Novak Djokovic lost the Dubai championship quarter-final and his World No. 1 ranking as well on Thursday. After an unexpected straight-set loss to Jiri Vesely, Daniil Medvedev replaced the 20-time Grand Slam Champion as the new world No. 1.

Djokovic who could not play in the Australian Open after the vaccination row was ousted by the Czech tennis player who is ranked 123 in the world after he won 6-4, 7-6 in Dubai. Meanwhile, US Open champion Medvedev who was the Australian Open runner up became the first Tennis player apart from the Big 4, Rafael Nadal, Andy Murray, Noak Djokovic, and Roger Federer to take the Tennis top spot since 2004.

Djokovic needed to at least reach the semifinals to maintain his position in the world rankings which he had reigned for a record no. of 361 weeks. Djoko congratulated the 26-year-old for achieving the feat. Before the tournament started, the Serb ace had said that he would be the first to congratulate the Russian player if he replaces him.