Novak Djokovic's classy act of sportsmanship for beaten opponent

Novak Djokovic has been praised for a classy act of sportsmanship after beating Karen Khachanov at the Dubai Tennis Championship.

Djokovic appears to have returned to tennis like a man on a mission, seeing off a spirited challenge from Khachanov to reach the quarter-finals on Wednesday.

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In first tournament since being deported from Australia, the Serb looked every inch the World No.1 again as he powered through just his second match in three months.

Djokovic won 6-3 7-6 (7-2) to reach the final eight under the lights of the Aviation Club in Dubai.

And just as we saw against Lorenzo Musetti in his comeback match on Monday, the Serb received overwhelming support from the big crowd as he played the sort of tennis only he can.

"I missed it, obviously. This is my life," Djokovic said.

"This is what I have known to do - and will still keep on doing - for the last 20 years. Professional tennis is my love.

"I enjoying bringing positive energy and memories for people who watch."

Djokovic also received praise for his classy actions immediately after the match as he stopped his celebrations to clap Khachanov off court.

Fans took to social media to highlight the brilliant moment of sportsmanship.

Novak Djokovic continues fine form in comeback event

Djokovic could lose his precious No.1 ranking next week, even if he should win the title for a sixth time in Dubai.

Daniil Medvedev will go to the top of the pile if he wins the current Mexico Open in Acapulco.

Yet Djokovic's performance on Wednesday seemed to dare anyone to suggest there's currently still a better player out there as he subdued World No.26 Khachanov - who beat Aussie Alex de Minaur in the previous round.

Seeming to have no rust at all, the 20-time grand slam champion was imperious in the opening set and mentally as tough as ever when Khachanov recovered from an early break of serve to fight back and take the second to a tiebreak in a really high-quality duel.

Djokovic again raised his level when he needed against a tough opponent who's given him plenty of trouble before, taking early control of the tiebreak and claiming victory on his first match point.

"I was feeling excited and motivated, but also at the same time I was feeling stressed," admitted Djokovic, who'll next face a quarter-final against Czech qualifier Jiri Vesely, who earned the shock of the day by defeating Doha champion Roberto Bautista Agut 6-2 6-4.

Earlier, Andy Murray was left waiting for his landmark 700th career win after a 7-5 6-2 defeat to Italian youngster Jannik Sinner.

Andrey Rublev beat South Korea's Soonwoo Kwon 4-6 6-0 6-3, but Australia's last hope disappeared with Alexei Popyrin losing 6-4 7-6 (9-7) to Ricardas Berankis.

with AAP

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