Novak Djokovic to lose No 1 ranking after upset defeat to qualifier in Dubai quarter-final | Tennis | Sport

In dramatic scenes, Vesely led by 30-15 on his serve when he netted an easy overhead to put the five-time Dubai champion within two points of taking the set but held on to force a tiebreak.

Vesely got a mini-break on the first point and held his lead until 4-2, when he first correctly challenged an out call before losing the replayed point, but Djokovic immediately handed him the mini-break back with a double fault.

This time the Czech qualifier was able to successfully serve it out, winning both points on his serve from 5-4 to defeat the top seed and five-time champion 6-4 7-6(4) in an hour and 57 minutes.

It means Medvedev will be the new world No 1 when the rankings are updated on Monday.

The Russian will be the first non-Big Four member to hold the top spot since February 1 2004, marking the end of Djokovic, Nadal, Federer and Murray’s 18-year reign.

Speaking about Medvedev’s chance of stealing the top spot ahead of the tournament in Dubai, Djokovic admitted he would be happy to see his friend and rival become world No 1.

“Eventually it’s going to happen and if it happens this week I’ll be the first one to congratulate him,” he said.