Novak Djokovic will return to play today for the first time in three months.
The world number one will meet Italian Lorenzo Mosti in the first round of the Dubai tournament - the ATP 500 tournament he has won five times in the past - and his excitement is especially great.
"After everything that has happened in Australia, I miss just playing tennis, so I'm very excited to do it here," said the Serbian this week, whose last official game was in early December 2021 as part of the Davis Cup.
Everything that has happened in Australia has already happened.
Nola was arrested twice, refused entry into the country, and was eventually expelled from it and the first tournament of the year for refusing to cooperate with the corona virus vaccine policy.
In recent days, the Serb has broken the silence about the events, and in an interview with the BBC he said: "I am willing to pay the price, my principles are more important to me than any degree or anything else."
Djokovic.
How will they get it in the princesses ?, Photo: Reuters
"Ready for the rest of my career"
As a result, it is still unknown whether Djokovic will be able to take part in the upcoming Grand Slam or Masters tournaments.
"It depends on the host countries, I am ready and willing to continue my career as usual," he said in the same interview.
So at least for now, in Dubai he was welcomed with open arms.
Without any restrictions or corona requirements, the Serb could attend marketing events and win the love of the audience.
These are very important things for Djokovic, who discovered during this period who is on his side and who is against him.
This week, in an interview with Serbian television, Nola thanked everyone who supported him, listing the names of Daniel Medvedev, Alexander Zebrav, Nick Kirius and Eliza Korna.
"I was particularly surprised by Kirius, and I want to thank him for everything he said for me," said the Serb, "I received many more private messages from players who did not want to speak in public. I understand them, this issue is very complex."
Novak Djokovic says he feels he's at his "peak" as he prepares to compete in his first tournament since being ejected from Australia.
He missed this year's first Grand Slam event over his vaccination status.
https://t.co/LClLE0ILVO
- The Associated Press (@AP) February 20, 2022
Meanwhile Dubai is embracing
These things, and especially the down to details and names, create a sense that Djokovic is aware that his return to activity will bring him together with his supporters, but also with opponents and critics.
Since the events of Australia, many words have been said and written in condemnation of the winner of the 20 Grand Slam titles, both by journalists and media people and by tennis players, so he must be prepared for any kind of reception.
Meanwhile, as mentioned, Dubai is embracing the Serb.
In recent days he has been walking around the city handing out selfies, being greeted with applause and chants of "Nola" everywhere, and taking advantage of the warm attitude to promote the foundation in his name, which promotes education from an early age in his native Serbia.
Carmaker Peugeot, sponsoring the actor, decided to continue to support him and even said: "We are happy that Mr. Djokovic is expressing his views."
All this support, from fans, tennis players and sponsors, the Serb will take on Monday for his first game in 2022.
"I will try to channel this energy into mental and physical fuel," he said, "it is clear that I am over-motivated."
And how not?
While missing this year he saw Rafael Nadal achieve his 21st Grand Slam title and grab the summit exclusively.
Nola is also interested in reaching this number and even beyond, but at the same time also maintaining his believing self.
In Dubai it is possible, the question is where else?
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