MY ACCOUNT
Novak Djokovic says he will play at whatever tournament will have him as he gears up to make his return to the ATP Tour.
The men’s world number one has not played a competitive match since early December and was last month deported from Australia on the eve of the Australian Open.
That decision was a result of Djokovic opting not to join the majority of his tennis peers in getting vaccinated against COVID-19 and amid controversy over how he handled getting the virus himself in December.
Speaking to the BBC in a recent interview, Djokovic stated he was prioritising his right to choose what to put into his body above his sporting ambitions and confirmed he is willing to miss further grand slams if necessary.
With COVID restrictions still in place in many countries, Djokovic acknowledges his options to play are limited.
“I just have to follow the rules. You know, whatever tournament that I’m able to play, I will be trying to get to that country and play the tournament,” Djokovic said ahead of facing Lorenzo Musetti in round one of the Dubai Tennis Championships.
“Obviously, I’m not intending to play the full schedule and that wasn’t also my intention, as you brought it up and my goal prior to this season or the season before, and I was trying to aim to play my best at the grand slams and some of the 1000 events we have, of course, and playing for my country, those were the biggest motivations that I had in terms of the scheduling.
“Right now, the situation is obviously different for me. So, I really can’t choose right now. It’s really about where I can go and play. So, wherever I have an opportunity, I’ll be using probably that opportunity and going to play because this is what I do, it’s what I love to do still.
“And I have support from my family and my team is still there with me and that’s what’s important for me because obviously it was not easy for anyone in my surroundings to go through these kinds of circumstances and situations that we have been through.
“But it’s very exciting to have everyone together here with me. And in Dubai, we’re back on the tour and then we’ll play this tournament and we’ll see how it goes further down the line.”
Several stars backed the decision for Djokovic to be barred from playing in Melbourne, with most noting that he had not followed the rules in order to do so.
But the Serbian says he has been received warmly ahead of his return to the ATP Tour.
“I haven’t seen too many players, but the players that I’ve seen have been positive and welcoming,” he added.
“And it’s nice to see obviously. I can’t say that was the case in Australia. It was a little bit strange, but here it’s well so far.”
