Novak Djokovic made a winning return to the court on his first appearance since he was deported from Australia.
The Serb did not play in Melbourne after having his visa cancelled by Australian immigration minister Alex Hawke over his refusal to take the Covid-19 vaccine.
He could only watch on from his homeland as Rafael Nadal recorded his 21st Grand Slam title to surpass Djokovic and Novak Federer as No.1 in the all-time list.
Djokovic has been steadfast in his assertion that he is willing to forego more titles to maintain his stance on the Covid vaccine, which could see him miss the French Open.
At the Dubai Tennis Championships, Djokovic showed little signs of rustiness as he comfortably saw off Italian teenager Lorenzo Musetti 6-3, 6-3.
Speaking on court after his win, Djokovic said: "I couldn't ask for a better reception.
"It's been a while since I played and I couldn't think of a better place to kickstart the season. Thank you for the reception and welcoming me on court the way you did.
"All in all it's a straight-sets win so I have to be satisfied with my tennis, especially after not playing for two and a half months.
"Of course there were moments when I made unforced errors but it's normal to expect that in your first match in a while.
"But I'm glad I managed to finish the job off in straight sets against a very talented player who possesses a lot of quality. All in all, a very pleasant experience."
Djokovic also lifted the lid on the reaction he has received from fellow pros since the controversy in Australia.
Prior to his win over Musetti, he said: "So far here most of the players that I’ve seen – I haven’t seen too many players – but most of the players that I’ve seen have been positive and welcoming.
"It’s nice to see obviously. I can’t say that was the case in Australia. It was a little bit strange. But here it’s well so far."
Djokovic conceded that, as things stand, he will miss next month's prestigious Indian Wells Masters over his vaccine stance.
But he is still harbouring hopes they situation could alter.
"As of today, not. I can't go, I can't enter the United States," he added
"As of today I'm not able to play. But let's see what happens. I mean, maybe things change in the next few weeks."
Former British No.1 Andy Murray, who was also victorious as he beat Christopher O'Connell, said Djokovic must be prepared to face the consequences of his refusal to be vaccinated.
The Scot said: "Like I said at the time, I don't agree with his decision. I think it would be a lot easier for him, obviously, if he was to get vaccinated.
"But I also didn't like seeing him in the situation that he was in Australia as someone that I respect and have known since I was a child. I didn't like seeing that.
"There are consequences to the decisions he's made just now. He obviously has to accept that. But I don't think it's great for tennis if our best player is not competing in the major events."
