Novak Djokovic has promised to “play better than ever” as he prepared for return to competitive tennis. The Dubai ATP 500, starting on Monday, will be the first tournament for the Serb after his unceremonious ejection from the season opening slam Australian Open. Djokovic was denied the chance to defend his Australian Open title and deported from Melbourne over his vaccination status. Scarred by the incident, Djokovic told Serbian national broadcaster RTS that he was aiming to bounce back.
“I can’t say that things will be the same when I return to the court… but there is an additional reason to play better than ever. “It will depend on the countries where the tournaments will be held, I will be ready and want to continue my career,” said Djokovic.
Djokovic has refused to take COVID vaccination, well aware of the fact that the decision will affect his career as many tournaments and countries might deny his an entry. This might also affect his 2024 Paris Olympic dreams if the pandemic prevailed and yet another Games are compelled to be played under COVID protocols. Djokovic hasn’t won an Olympics title yet.
“I want, I am preparing and planning to participate in the Olympic Games in Paris and represent Serbia,” he said.
Djokovic, however, again rejected accusations of being opposed to vaccines. “I don’t like to be associated with certain initiatives or communities. I never said I belong to any initiative,” he said. “I keep an open mind … Everything is possible in life, we will see how the situation will evolve, but at the moment I decided not to do it (get vaccinated)”, news agency AFP has reported excerpts from the interview.
COVID vaccination is not mandatory for participants at the Dubai ATP 500 event.
The 20-time Grand Slam-winner has kept a low profile since his deportation from Australia last month over his refusal to get jabbed.
“I am excited to go back and play on Monday,” he told media at Expo. “I miss tennis after all that has happened.”
