Novak Djokovic says he nonetheless has a ‘nice want’ to compete as he makes his first return to aggressive tennis for the reason that Australian Open fiasco. 

The world primary will make his return in Dubai this week and has been drawn towards Italian teen Lorenzo Musetti within the first spherical.

The Serbian suffered a really public exit from the Australian Open following confusion over his medical exemption and subsequent perceived anti-vaccination stance which the Australian authorities deemed to be harmful.

Djokovic has since confirmed that though he’s not a part of the anti-vax motion, he’s unvaccinated towards COVID and would moderately miss future tournaments, together with Grand Slams if needed, moderately than obtain the jab.

Now, as Djokovic returns to the ATP tour, he admits he want to play as many tournaments as potential however that the choice is out of his arms.

“I want to play in lots of tournaments,” Djokovic informed Serbian RTS.

“I’m presently in a scenario the place it doesn’t rely on me. It is dependent upon guidelines of sure international locations during which tournaments are happening,” he stated.

“In the mean time I do know that I can play in Dubai. That’s my subsequent problem. Subsequent event. The primary event this season. The primary event since this example in Australia, so I’m excited to get again on the tennis court docket.”

Djokovic says regardless of his warning concerning the vaccination, he’ll preserve an open thoughts and can proceed to guage the scenario as guidelines change.

“I practice onerous, and naturally I’ve an important want to compete in Grand Slams and all nice ATP tournaments.

“We are going to see, the principles are consistently altering. I preserve an open thoughts and I’m not unique. I’m making an attempt to grasp this complete scenario relating to the pandemic and battle towards the virus like each different citizen on the earth” he continued.

“I’ve info that everybody else has, and I’m making an attempt, as skilled a sportsman, which was all the time the case, to triple-check something that goes into my physique and during which manner that may have an effect on me.

“If something adjustments half a per cent, I can really feel that.

“Merely, at that high tennis stage, each change can produce constructive or unfavourable outcomes. I’m merely cautious, and I took a while for myself earlier than I decide.”

The opposite high seeds competing for the Dubai Open Championship embrace Andrey Rublev (2), Felix Auger-Aliassime (3) and Jannik Sinner (4).

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