Novak Djokovic is going to play tennis again.
Regularly quoted in the non-sports news in recent weeks, the world number 1 will return to the courts this Monday at the ATP 500 tournament in Dubai where he will face the Italian Musetti.
Grounds that the Serb has not trodden in official competition since last December 3 and a double defeat against Croatia in the semi-finals of the Davis Cup.
The Belgradois categorically refuses to be injected with the vaccine against Covid-19 and therefore could not participate in the Australian Open during which he was seeking a 21st Grand Slam title, ultimately won by Rafael Nadal.
At the end of an incredible legal procedure, the Serb, expelled, had to pack up and leave Australian territory.
A situation as ubiquitous as it is unprecedented and which casts doubt on the follow-up that Novak Djokovic will give to his season.
Very warmly welcomed in Dubai
During an interview with the BBC last week, the world number 1 provided the beginning of an answer.
The nine-time winner of the Australian Open has confirmed that he is ready to give up Roland-Garros or Wimbledon if by chance the vaccine is compulsory to participate in these two Grand Slam tournaments.
“I have never been against vaccination.
I understand that, in the world, we are trying to make great efforts to manage this virus (…) But I have always supported the freedom to choose what you put in your body, ”he adds in the interview .
Read also Antivax muse, hero of conspiratorial circles … Novak Djokovic, icon in spite of himself?
Between tennis and his convictions, Novak Djokovic has decided.
However, nothing prevents him from participating in non-binding tournaments concerning the vaccination of players.
That of Dubai is one of them and will therefore see the return to competition of Djokovic.
“I am looking forward to being able to play on Monday (
February 21
).
I miss tennis after all that has happened,” he admitted to the press.
Arrived several days ago in the United Arab Emirates, the world number 1 received a very warm welcome.
He took the opportunity to visit the Serbian pavilion at the Universal Exhibition in Dubai.
In an atmosphere far from being hostile to him, “Nole” will return to a tournament which has succeeded him rather well since he has already triumphed there five times in his career.
This Monday, it is the young Lorenzo Musetti who will be the first opponent of the Serb for more than two months.
57th in the world, the 19-year-old Italian lost to world number 1 in the round of 16 at Roland Garros last year, after leading 2 sets to 0. A first step to take before aiming for an 87th title on the circuit.
A success which would certainly not have the prestige of a Grand Slam title but which the Belgrader should easily be satisfied with.
For now.