Djokovic is back in action after his first win in Dubai

Djokovic is back in action after his first win in Dubai. 

DUBAI: Monday, the world’s No. 1 Novak Djokovic belatedly began his 2022 tennis season with a convincing 6-36-3 defeat to Italian youngster Lorenzo Musetti at the Dubai Championships.

The 34-year-old did not show any signs of fatigue or mental trauma due to his time in the Australian Open visa saga that stunned the sporting world and gave a flawless performance to prepare for the second round. Afterward, he declared it a “pleasant event.”

This was the first time Djokovic played this year, following the time his Australian Open hopes were dashed when he was exiled following an 11-day drama centered around his decision to not get the COVID-19 vaccine and an unpopular exemption he was granted to participate in the tournament.

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A pair of court appearances were necessary before Djokovic was deported at the end of January 16 after spending several hours in a hotel as the minister of immigration in the nation, deciding that he might cause anti-vaccine sentiments if allowed to play. 

On the tennis court at the Dubai Aviation Club, Djokovic showed why he should be a favorite to win the 10. Australian Open crown and beat Rafa Nadal to win a male world record of 21st Grand Slam title.

After being greeted to court by the late-night crowd, he sped through the gears and broke Musetti’s serve during the fourth match of an uncharacteristic first set.

Djokovic accompanied his entourage, including his wife Jelena, who had an opening break early in the 2nd set, courtesy of a forehand winner.

He briefly hesitated when serving at 3-2 and was obliged to hold breakpoints, but he didn’t appear to be at risk while his supporters, including many wearing Serbian flags, booed his team’s winners.

Djokovic played a fantastic forehand in the final match and won with his first match point.

If he can win his Dubai title for the six-time, the winner may lose his world’s top-ranking next week if Russian Daniil Medvedev takes the Acapulco title.

However, for Djokovic, who was enjoying an ATP record 361st week at number one, it was not in his head as he ended one of the most traumatic moments of his career behind him.

“I couldn’t have asked for even better reception. It’s been quite a while since my last match, and I couldn’t have chosen the better venue to start the season.” Djokovic, who had not played since the Davis Cup Finals in November, the crowd after he performed his signature salute on all players on both sides.

Last week, Djokovic stated in an interview with BBC interview that he was not opposed to vaccinations but was willing to not play in major tournaments. Instead of getting one, they will be given the day off before facing one of the Russian Karen Khachanov or Australian Alex de Minaur. 

When reporters later asked him what he thought of how his teammates treated him, the player said they had been “very welcoming.”

“Majority were of them greeted me and expressed their appreciation to be back on Tour,” he said. “That makes me feel good. I’m extremely grateful for that because having that kind of that understanding could say, even if it is there was no support from my colleagues and friends, is crucial to me since they are the ones that I see more often than the people in my life.”

“I am very concerned about the relationships we share.”

While Djokovic has never had any problems playing in Dubai but he stated that the tournament is not allowed to play at Indian Wells because of strict regulations regarding vaccines that are in place within the United States.

“As as of now, I’m not in a position to play. Let’s look at what happens. Things may change in the next few weeks.”