Tennis star Novak Djokovic returns to competitive action on Monday night in Dubai facing the prospect of losing his status as world number one even if he wins the tournament.
Djokovic, 34, had led the ATP rankings for seven weeks before they were frozen on 23 March 2020 due to the onslaught of the coronavirus pandemic and the shutdown of the professional circuits.
Since the men's tour returned on 23 August 2020, the Serb has been top dog.
However, Daniil Medvedev can supplant him if he claims the Mexican Open in Acapulco.
The 26-year-old Russian takes on the mercurial Frenchman Benoit Paire on Tuesday in the first round and is seeded to meet his Australian Open conqueror Rafael Nadal in the semi-final.
Chance
"Well it's in Daniil's hands," said Djokovic ahead of his first round match in Dubai against the rising Italian Lorenzo Musetti.
The two have not met since the Italian pulled out of their last-16 clash at the French Open in Paris after claiming the first two sets.
"And if Daniil wins the title and becomes the world number one, I'll be one of the first to congratulate him," Djokovic added.
Medvedev's ascendance will be among the subplots of the week.
Djokovic had planned to start his 2022 campaign at the Australian Open in Melbourne.
But he was unable to compete at the first Grand Slam tournament of the season because he was unvaccinated against the coronavirus.
Rebuff
Even though he was initially handed an exemption from the standard entry requirements, the Australian government refused his visa and deported him.
"When I am allowed to go into a country to play a tournament, I'll go there," said Djokovic.
"Things are obviously slightly different for me and I can't pick and choose. I'll go where I can."
Titles
Djokovic has won the Dubai tournament on five occasions. Only Roger Federer has claimed the title more times with seven.
"I'm really looking forward to playing competitively again," added Djokovic.
"I went through lots of emotions when I got back home from Australia. I was sad and disappointed with the way everything happened and how I had to leave the country.
"But knowing that I don't have to be vaccinated to play in Dubai meant that I could get a health and training plan together and now that I'm here, I'm in the best shape possible and keen to play."
