agencies
Posted on: Tuesday, February 22, 2022 – 2:08 AM | Last update: Tuesday, February 22, 2022 – 2:08 am
Serbian Novak Djokovic will start the 2022 season from Dubai, trying to maintain the top spot in the tennis world, a month following he was deported from Melbourne for refusing to be vaccinated once morest the Corona virus.
And the number one ranked in the world can participate in the Dubai tournament, because vaccination once morest Corona is not mandatory to enter the United Arab Emirates.
The Serbian player, who is looking for a sixth title in Dubai, said during a press conference on Sunday: “I have a goal to come to Dubai. I am ready and excited regarding the idea of playing once more in the tournaments.”
After Dubai, his name appeared on the list of participants in the Masters 1000 Championships in Indian Wells (March 7-20) in the California desert and then Miami between March 21 and April 3. But he cannot enter the US without a vaccine.
Djokovic added: “I can’t choose right now. I have to know where I can play. I will take every opportunity to play because it is the thing I love.”
In his first match on Monday, Djokovic will face young Italian Lorenzo Mozetti (19 years and 57 in the world), who upset him a lot last June on his way to crowning once more at Roland Garros. During the final price in Paris, the Serbian champion lost the first two sets before turning the table on his young opponent, who ended the match injured.
Djokovic also hopes to maintain the top spot in the world rankings in light of fierce competition from Russian Daniil Medvedev, who is participating in Acapulco. The last Australian Open runner-up can rise to first place if he wins in Mexico, regardless of Djokovic’s result in the Emirates.
The Serb commented, “If this matter is achieved this week, I will be the first to congratulate him.”
Among the most prominent participants in the Dubai (500) tournament are Russian Andrey Rublev, Canadian Felix Auger-Aliassim, Italian Yannick Sener, last year’s title holder, Russian Aslan Karatsev, British veteran Andy Murray and Croatian Marin Cilic.
