'Not able to play': Novak Djokovic's major reveal after return to tennis
Novak Djokovic has made a staggering revelation about his ongoing vaccination saga after making a successful return to tennis in Dubai.
Djokovic, whose most recent match was in the Davis Cup finals in early December 2021, downed Italian teenager Lorenzo Musetti 6-3 6-3 in the first round of the Dubai Tennis Championships.
THAT'S NOT RIGHT: Eagle-eyed fans spot glaring detail on Nadal's bag
UNPRECEDENTED: Ash Barty at centre of $500 million bombshell
'ABSOLUTELY INSANE': Shock scenes in Novak Djokovic return
The World No.1 was famously deported from Australia last month after losing a lengthy legal battle to compete at Melbourne Park, due to his unvaccinated status.
The 34-year-old has made it clear that he is willing to sit out tournaments if being vaccinated against Covid-19 is mandatory for participation.
Djokovic was able to compete in Dubai because the event in the United Arab Emirates doesn't have a vaccination mandate, meaning it is one of the few that he's able to play in.
However, speaking to reporters after his first round victory, Djokovic conceded that his participation in other tournaments around the world would be far less straightforward.
The 20-time grand slam champion admitted that as things currently stand, his involvement in next month's Indian Wells tournament in the USA is under serious threat.
“As of today, no. I can’t go - can’t enter United States,” he said.
“As of today I’m not able to play. But let’s see what happens. I mean, maybe things change in the next few weeks.”
Asked Novak Djokovic if he will be able to compete at Indian Wells:
"As of today, not. I can't go -- can't enter United States. As of today I'm not able to play. But let's see what happens. I mean, maybe things change in the next few weeks."— Reem Abulleil (@ReemAbulleil) February 21, 2022
Djokovic said after his return to professional tennis that he was a little rusty at times but "that is to be expected", and he "very much enjoyed" being in front of a crowd again.
"It's been a while since I played the last match and I couldn't pick a better place to kick-start the season," he said in his on-court post-match interview.
"All in all it was a very pleasant experience for me."
Novak Djokovic thrilled to return in Dubai
Djokovic had been cheered onto court and had plenty of support under the lights with some spectators waving flags bearing his likeness and the slogan 'Stand with Novak'.
The five-time champion in Dubai had no problems getting into the United Arab Emirates despite being the only player in the men's top 100 unvaccinated against COVID-19.
The jab is not required for visitors to Dubai.
He was deported from Australia on January 16 on 'health and good order grounds' after a protracted legal battle with the federal government.
Djokovic said at the weekend he felt "as well-prepared as I possibly can be" and so it proved against world No.58 Musetti.
The 34-year-old Djokovic — who last week said in a BBC interview that he was not against vaccines but was prepared to miss major tournaments rather than receive a COVID-19 vaccination - said he was well received by his fellow players in Dubai.
"Majority of them actually welcomed me and said it's nice to see me back on the tour," he said.
"That makes me feel great."
with agencies
Click here to sign up to our newsletter for all the latest and breaking stories from Australia and around the world.
