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Novak Djokovic's embarrassing interview claim after return to tennis

Novak Djokovic, pictured here after his victory in Dubai.
Novak Djokovic said Dubai was the perfect place for him to start his season, while in reality it is the only place. Image: ATP

Novak Djokovic made a staggering oversight in his post-match interview in Dubai after making a successful return to tennis on Monday.

The World No.1 received an incredible reception from fans in attendance at the Dubai Tennis Championships as Djokovic returned to action for the first time since being deported from Australia.

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The 34-year-old kicked off his 2022 season with a 6-3 6-3 victory over Italian teenager Lorenzo Musetti, and was greeted by loud cheers from a packed stadium as he commenced his quest for a sixth title in the Emirates.

Djokovic admitted he wasn't sure how he would be received in the wake of everything that happened in Australia last month, but stated he "couldn't ask for a better reception" as fans scrambled to take photos with him after the match.

They also chanted 'Nole, Nole' to celebrate his victory and return to action in a huge boost for the 20-time grand slam champion.

Speaking after the match, Djokovic said: "I think Dubai is a perfect place for me to start a season because of the support and the fans that showed up tonight and really cheered me on the way they did.

"They exceeded my best expectations, so to say, in terms of the atmosphere."

In reality, Dubai is the perfect place for Djokovic to return because it is the only place that will have him while he's unvaccinated.

The event in the United Arab Emirates doesn't have a vaccination mandate, meaning it is one of the few that Djokovic is able to play.

The World No.1 admitted last week that he won't get vaccinated in order to play tennis tournaments, which will severely limit the number of events he will be able to play in 2022.

Fans were quick to point out the oversight on social media.

"You couldn't pick any other place period," one commented.

Novak Djokovic makes successful return in Dubai

Djokovic lost the opening two points in his return, but the World No.1 then won many more than he lost as he emerged victorious in his first competitive match of the year.

Djokovic, whose most recent match was in the Davis Cup finals in early December 2021, was too good for Musetti, winning in 73 minutes.

Djokovic said he was a little rusty at times but "that is to be expected" and he "very much enjoyed" being in front of a crowd again.

"It's been a while since I played the last match and I couldn't pick a better place to kick-start the season," he said in his on-court post-match interview.

"All in all it was a very pleasant experience for me."

Novak Djokovic, pictured here in action during his clash with Lorenzo Musetti in Dubai.
Novak Djokovic looks on during his clash with Lorenzo Musetti in Dubai. (Photo by Francois Nel/Getty Images)

The five-time champion in Dubai had no problems getting into the United Arab Emirates despite being the only player in the men's top 100 unvaccinated against Covid-19.

He was deported from Australia on January 16 on 'health and good order grounds' after a protracted legal battle with the federal government.

Djokovic said at the weekend he felt "as well-prepared as I possibly can be" and so it proved against World No.58 Musetti.

The 34-year-old also said he was well received by his fellow players in Dubai.

"Majority of them actually welcomed me and said it's nice to see me back on the tour," he said.

"That makes me feel great."

with agencies

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