Positively Welcomed Ahead Of Debut In Dubai, Djokovic: It's Not Happening In Australia

Novak Djokovic (Twitter @djokernole)

JAKARTA - Novak Djokovic started his season in Dubai on Monday after his plans to start the season in January failed when he was deported from Australia.

The world number one said players in the dressing room were "positive and welcoming" to his return to competitive tournaments.

Djokovic lost his chance to win a 10th Australian Open and 21st Grand Slam due to the cancellation of his Melbourne visa and was eventually deported for not being vaccinated.

He returns to tour this week in the Emirates, where he will compete for the first time since the Davis Cup final in Madrid last December.

Ahead of his opening round against Italian wildcard Lorenzo Musetti, Djokovic spoke ahead of his match about what it's like to be back on the tennis court, and whether there has been any negative reaction from his teammates.

"So far here most of the players I've seen have been positive and friendly. It's nice to see that clearly. This isn't the case in Australia. It's a bit strange. But so far so good," the 34-year-old said, quoted by Reuters. Between from AFP.

Couldn’t have asked for a better reception back on court 🙏🏼 #DDFTennis #NoleFam

📸: Karim Sahib pic.twitter.com/fEhcyYBCfD

— Novak Djokovic (@DjokerNole) February 21, 2022

Rafael Nadal, who without Djokovic won the Australian Open, offered long-distance support.

"Vaccinated or not, let Novak play again," Nadal told a news conference ahead of the Mexican Open, in Acapulco, where he and world number two Daniil Medvedev are competing.

Victory in Melbourne was Nadal's 21st at a major tournament, leaving him one title ahead of Djokovic and Roger Federer on the all-time list.

Djokovic can play in Dubai because the coronavirus vaccine is not a mandatory requirement to enter the United Arab Emirates.

The Serb is a five-time winner in Dubai and has finally started his season with a point to prove while the number one ranking is under threat.

Even if he wins in Dubai, Djokovic could lose the top spot, which he has held since February 2020, from Medvedev.

If Djokovic maintains his status this week, his refusal to be vaccinated could cause problems and cost him ranking points, especially with the two Masters tournaments to come in the United States.

Follow the Rules

Djokovic was on the roster at Indian Wells from March 7 to 20, though is currently restricted to players who are vaccinated. The tournament is followed by the Miami Open from March 21 to April 3.

"I just have to follow the rules. Whatever tournament I can play, I will try to go to that country and play that tournament," said Djokovic.

"I really can't choose right now. It's really about where I can go and play. Wherever I have the opportunity I will probably take the opportunity and will play because this is what I do, this is what I love. "

There are still three more Grand Slam tournaments to be played this year, namely the French Open, Wimbledon, and the US Open.

Each has significant potential for Djokovic to battle Nadal to break records.

In Mexico, Nadal refused to be asked if he, Djokovic, or Federer could claim to be the greatest of all time.

"It's not my right to talk about it because I was the party involved," Nadal said, adding that the trio "had achieved more than we dreamed of".

"There could be different kinds of arguments for being able to give anyone the title you love so much as 'the best in history'," Nadal said.

Djokovic is the reigning champion at Roland Garros and the All England Club.

"We all hope that the health crisis will develop in a positive direction, but if that doesn't change, he will need a vaccination permit and therefore Novak Djokovic will not be with us (in Paris)," French Sports Minister Roxana Maracineanu said on Sunday.