Djokovic on Federer's injury: "Roger is Roger. This sport needs him"

Fresh off his Australian Open victory, Novak Djokovic made quick work of Malek Jaziri in his opening match on Monday. The top-seeded Serb needed just an hour to dispatch the Tunisian, 6-1, 6-2, in Dubai.

Missing in action is Roger Federer, who announced a few days ago that he had had right knee surgery and would not return to competition until the grass-court season.

Speaking to local press prior to the ATP 500 event getting underway, Djokovic said he had not known about his rival's knee issue.

"It was a surprise, to be honest," Djokovic was quoted as saying, though noted that Federer had been injured when the pair played their semifinal at the Australian Open. "I think no one knew really what is the injury and the extent of that injury. I really don’t like to see anybody going through a process of surgery. I’ve been through that.

"I know that for doctors, that’s routine-like procedure but it’s quite invasive. I know it also creates a psychological trauma."

Djokovic had elbow surgery following the Australian Open in 2017.

Since Federer's announcement, Kevin Anderson has also said he underwent knee surgery for a meniscus tear.

"I’m really sad to see Roger and Kevin Anderson going through that kind of procedures," said Djokovic. "I hope that they will be back very soon. Roger is Roger. This sport needs him."

Djokovic, on the other hand, has enjoyed a roaring start to the season, winning all his singles meetings at the ATP Cup and then capturing the Australian Open for a record eighth time. Beginning the new decade with a 14-0 record, he wants to use that momentum to his advantage.

"When you win a Grand Slam at the beginning of the season, you always start off the year in a great way, in a very positive manner, and this has given me a lot of confidence," he said

The top seed in Dubai will next face Philipp Kohlschreiber, who rallied past wild card Mohamed Safwat, 4-6, 6-4, 6-0.