DUBAI: It'll be operation desert storm for Novak Djokovic at the Dubai Duty Free Tennis championships this week. The 34-year-old will be looking to maximize what at this stage appears to be limited openings on the calendar for him.
Not only is the Serbian's world No. 1 ranking on the line, he's also faced with an uphill challenge given the choices he has made. Djokovic, who hasn't played a competitive match in almost three months, will see his mettle put to test when he takes on the soon-to-be-20 Italy's Lorenzo Musetti in the first round here on Monday. Djokovic, who has refused to be vaccinated against Covid-19, was deported from Melbourne on the eve of the opening Grand Slam of the year, a tournament he has won nine times.
"I was sad by the way it all played out, the way I left the country," Djokovic said of his experience in Australia, adding, "Once I knew I was allowed to come to Dubai and play, I had something to work for. I had a goal. I spoke to my team, created a three-four-week plan, what I need to do on a daily basis, weekly basis, in order for me to peak at the right time."
Djokovic was back on the practice court 10 days after his return from Melbourne. He used those early days in mid-January to reflect and then reset. "I've been enjoying my time on the court," Djokovic said of his stay in Belgrade. "I love the game. I love hitting the tennis ball. It wasn't difficult to pick up a racquet and go out on a practice court. I have lots of passion for the sport and I value every minute that I spend on the practice court because I know there is always something to work on and improve."
The 34-year-old, making his 12th appearance here, having won the title five times, returns to action knowing that Daniil Medvedev will debut as the world No. 1 should the Russian win the title in Acapulco. What follows is a roadblock as the two ATP Masters 1000 events in the United States - Indian Wells and Miami - scheduled to start on March 10 and 23 would require the world No. 1 to be vaccinated.
"Whatever tournament I'm able to play, I'll be trying to get to that country and play the tournament," Djokovic said. "Obviously I'm not intending to play a full schedule. My aim was to play my best at the Grand Slams and some of the 1000 events, and play for my country. Those were the biggest motivations that I had in terms of the scheduling. Now the situation is different for me."
Djokovic said, "I can't choose now. It's about where I can go and play. Wherever I have an opportunity, I'll be using that opportunity because this is what I do, it's what I love to do."
