he will become the third Russian to accomplish

[Jin Wah]

Scouting Report: Djokovic & Medvedev Lead Dubai & Acapulco Fields; Garin In Action In Santiago.Novak Djokovic returns to action as the top seed at the Dubai Duty Free Tennis Championships, while Daniil Medvedev leads the field at Abierto Mexicano Telcel presentado por HSBC in Acapulco, with both of those events classed as ATP 500s. Reigning champion Cristian Garin returns to home soil at the Chile Dove Men+Care Open, an ATP 250 clay-court event held in Santiago.

With plenty to look out for, ATPTour.com looks at five things to watch at each event.

View Draws: Acapulco | Dubai | Santiago

FIVE THINGS TO WATCH IN ACAPULCO
1) Medvedev Leads The Field: Medvedev came within one set of capturing his second Grand Slam title at the Australian Open in January, falling to Rafael Nadal in a five-set classic. The Russian returns to court for the first time since at the Abierto Mexicano Telcel presentado por HSBC, where he will make his debut. The World No. 2 will open against Benoit Paire.

It is a critical week for Medvedev, who controls his destiny in the battle for the No. 1 ATP Ranking with Djokovic. If the Russian lifts the trophy in Acapulco, he will become the third Russian to accomplish the feat by climbing to the top spot on 28 February. Learn all the No. 1 scenarios here.

2) Defending Champion Zverev: Alexander Zverev has fond memories in Acapulco, having triumphed in Mexico last year. The German, who did not drop a set en route to the title, reached the final in Montpellier earlier this month. The World No. 3 will face American Jenson Brooksby in a promising first-round match.

At last year's BNP Paribas Open at Indian Wells, Zverev needed three sets to dispatch the American. This will be their second ATP Head2Head clash.

Novak Djokovic vs Lorenzo Musetti live ATP Dubai 2022
Djokovic v Musetti live ATP Dubai 2022

'I really can't choose right now... I will have to follow the rules': Novak Djokovic admits his options are limited as he searches for tournaments to compete in, with world No 1 preparing to return to the tennis court in Dubai

The world No 1 faces Italian wildcard Lorenzo Musetti at the Dubai Duty Free Championships, one of the few places where it is currently straightforward for him to participate.

Ahead of playing his first match since early December, Djokovic confirmed that his options are limited under the present restrictions.