By Tim Parsons-
Novak Djokavic makes his return to the tennis court in Dubai on Monday evening, admitting that he will currently play anywhere that will have him.
The world No 1 faces Italian wildcard Lorenzo Musetti at the Dubai Duty Free Championships, where the stringent requirement for vaccination does not exist.
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Ahead of playing his first match since his infamous deportation from Australia, Djokovic confirmed that his options are limited under the present restrictions.
The Serbian, who is reported to be the only member of the men’s top 100 still to be unvaccinated, has not played since his dramatic legal case in Australia against the Immigration minister, which saw him thrown out of the Australian open, and out of the country. The experience was painful for him, but he ahs expressed his determination not to bow to pressure to be vaccinated, and says he is willing to forfeit titles that could cement his legacy in the sport forever if it means standing his ground on deciding what he puts into his body.
Djokavic has endured much criticism from his fellow players and from critics across the world for his position on vaccination, but has also received much support from fans all over the world.
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‘I will have to follow the rules,’ he said. ‘Whatever tournament I’m able to play I will be trying to get to the country and play the tournament.’ By following the rules, Djokovic means not participating in any country that forbids him to take part, and participating where he can participate.
The U.S and much of Europe prohibit unvaccinated players from participating in sport events, and Djokavic has made it abundantly clear that he does not plan to be vaccinated in order to take part in any of those events. ‘I really can’t choose right now, it’s about where I can go and play,’ he added.
‘I’m not intending to play a full schedule but also that wasn’t my intention prior to this season.’
The tennis ace has admitted fault for going to see a journalist in Australia after testing positive for Covid-19 saying he had known the journalist for a while and didn’t want to let him down. That on top of inaccurately filling in forms exposed a level of recklessness Australian authorities were not going to tolerate, but the Australian government had already taken a tough line
Since arriving in Dubai, Djokavic claims to have received a better reception in the locker room than in Melbourne. ‘Most of the players have been welcoming,’ said the 34-year-old. ‘I can’t say that was the case in Australia, it was a little bit strange.’
However, the tennis no 1 says he is ready and excited about the prospect of returning to action.
“I’m as well prepared as I possibly can be and excited to again be able to tour.”
He added: “There were lots of emotions after I came back from Australia. It was strange. I was disappointed, I was sad about the way it all has played out and the way I left the country.”
Andy Murray takes part in the curtain-raiser for tonight’s match, facing Australian qualifier Chris O’Connell in the first round. Dan Evans is also in the field.
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