(Dubai) Andrey Rublev started his Dubai Championship title defense by spoiling the birthday of Filip Krajinovic, whom he beat 7-5, 6-2.

Krajinovic, who turned 31, had built a 5-2 lead until second-seeded Rublev won 11 of the next 13 games.

Rublev will face in the next round Alejandro Davidovich Fokina, who knocked out Malek Jaziri in two sets in the Tunisian’s last career game.

In other matches, Alexander Zverev came from behind to defeat Jiri Lehecka 4-6, 6-3, 6-4. Back from an ankle injury, Zverev has yet to win two games in a row in 2023.

Favorite Novak Djokovic will play his first game since winning the Australian internationals on Tuesday against Czech qualifier Tomas Machac.