"It's predictable he would struggle" - Pam Shriver speaks on Djokovic's shocking Dubai loss

The entire tennis community was shocked when Novak Djokovic fell in straight sets to Czech qualifier Jiri Vesely at the Dubai Duty Free Tennis Championship, but former WTA World No.3 Pam Shriver believes it should not have come as much of a surprise.

After being deported from Australia and not being unable to participate at the Australian Open, Djokovic was competing in his first tournament of the season in Dubai. The Serbian looked to be in fine form following his two victories in the opening rounds and was the heavy favorite to defeat Vesely in their quarterfinal match.

However, Vesely stunned the packed crowd with his impeccable and aggressive style of play, toppling the World No.1 in straight sets. Although most seemed shocked by this upset, Shriver believes that Djokovic's lack of match play in 2022 was partly responsible for the loss.

"No matter the talent, no matter the experience, no matter the ranking, three months with no matches with our sports largest controversy swirling around Novak, it’s predictable he would struggle to be in top form throughout his first tournament of 2022.

What happens from here?" Shriver tweeted.

Djokovic, who will lose his No.1 ranking to Daniil Medvedev next week, is uncertain of his next stop on the ATP Tour as he likely won't be allowed into the United States to compete in the Sunshine Double due to his vaccination status.