Novak Djokovic is satisfied with the reception he received for his return to the circuit.
The world No. 1, who will kick off his 2022 season at the Dubai tournament on Monday a month after being turned away from Australia due to his non-vaccination against covid, said on Sunday he had received a "
positive reception
" from other players since his arrival in the Emirates, where he is delighted to be able to play again.
"
So far most of the players I've seen - I haven't seen many - but most of the ones I've seen have been positive and welcoming.
It's obviously nice.
I can't say that was the case in Australia.
It was a bit strange.
But here everything is going well so far
the 34-year-old Serb said at a press conference on the eve of his first-round match against Italy's Lorenzo Musetti.
Djokovic, who had already spoken this week on his arrival in Dubai and then to the Serbian media, once again indicated that what had happened in Australia had "
disappointed
" and "
sadden
" him, but that it did not had in no way dampened his motivation to play.
“
I started training again two and a half, three weeks ago.
I take advantage of it.
I like the game, I just like hitting the ball, so it wasn't really difficult for me to pick up a racquet, go to a court and practice
,” said Djokovic, who is aiming for a sixth. title in Dubai.
Novak Djokovic spoke to the press on Sunday.
ALEXANDER CORNWELL / REUTERS
“
Knowing that I was coming to Dubai, I had something to prepare, I had a goal.
So now that I'm here, I can say that I'm as prepared as I can be and I'm excited to play on the tour again
,” he explained.
The holder of 20 Grand Slam titles will be all the more motivated knowing that his world number 1 crown is on the line this week.
His dolphin, the Russian Daniil Medvedev, could delight him if he wins the Acapulco tournament, which is being played in parallel.
And this regardless of Djokovic's results in Dubai.
"
He deserves to be number 1
," the Serb said of Medvedev on Sunday.
“
It will eventually happen.
If it happens this week,
added Djokovic, who begins his 361st week on Monday at the top of the world rankings, a record.