“They welcomed me!” Novak Djokovic THANKFUL for the reception he got by fellow players at the 2022 Dubai Tennis Championships
Novak Djoković
Novak Djokovic, the world’s number one, has returned to the circuit after a lengthy period of upheaval and hardship. During the Australian Open, the Serbian tennis superstar was busier in the court of law than on his favorite tennis court. He was deported from Australian soil. The Australian authorities revoked his visa citing “health and good order,” labeling him an anti-vaxxer as he hadn’t completed his vaccination.
The 20-time grand slam winner had to watch his adversary, Rafael Nadal, take the trophy at the Australian Open 2022, putting Rafa ahead of him and Federer on the grand slam titles hierarchy, while he had to stand aside and be lambasted by fans all over the world. He was nicknamed “Novax Djokovic” and an “anti-vaxxer,” and the media didn’t really help.
However, after a long and winding path, the United Arab Emirates permitted him entry, and Djokovic cashed in at a tournament he’s won five times.
Djokovic Leaves the Stadium On an Emotional Note
In a tweet by Tennis Majors, Djokovic was quoted on what he said at the reception after his match. The Serb said, “The majority of them welcomed me and said it was nice to see me back on the tour. That makes me feel great and I’m very thankful for that.” While referring to fellow players in Dubai. He also added, “Having a kind of understanding, at least, if not support from my peers & colleagues is very important to me. They are the people I get to see sometimes more than even my family. So I care greatly about the relationship that we have,” exiting the stadium on an emotional note.
The top seed has progressed to the second round after defeating Lorenzo Musetti in the first round. He’ll face Karen Khachanov next. Djokovic maintains that he will not be getting vaccinated, however huge the repercussions of that might be. Which tournaments he will be allowed to play next hasn’t been revealed yet, and the cards don’t seem to be falling on the World No. 1’s side either, but he is hopeful about what lies ahead of him.
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