By Richard Pagliaro | Sunday, February 20, 2022
Time away from tennis has deepened Novak Djokovic's desire to compete.
Novak: My Son Was Rooting For Rafa in AO Final
Meeting the media in Dubai today ahead of his 2022 debut, Djokovic said he's spent about three weeks practicing ahead of his first match since he swept Marin Cilic in the Davis Cup finals last November.
Calling his imbroglio with Australian immigration officials "strange", Djokovic said he took some time off last month to recharge after he was denied a shot to defend his Australian Open title.
"It was strange. I was disappointed," Djokovic said of being bounced from Australia. "I was sad the way it all has played out and the way I left the country.
"But once I refreshed mentally, emotionally, physically, and it didn't take me too long, and once that I knew I was allowed to come here and play, it wasn't that hard for me to get on the court, speak to my team, create a plan, a three-, four-week plan, what I need to do on a daily basis, weekly basis, in order for me to peak at the right time here in Dubai. Having previous positive experiences on the court and titles obviously connects me to this place even more."
Twenty-time Grand Slam champion Djokovic said he's inspired to deliver his best tennis and reconnect with the joy of playing.
"Of course, considering what I've been through in the last couple months, I'm even more motivated, inspired to go out on the court and play my best tennis," Djokovic said. "Of course, it's not a guarantee, but I did my best to put myself in a good position tennis-wise. Mentally as well. I am present, I'm here, really happy to be playing again."
Five-time Dubai champion opens Monday night against talented Italian wild card Lorenzo Musetti, who pushed him to five sets at Roland Garros last year.
"I have a young, very talented, tricky opponent in Lorenzo Musetti who has had a big win I think over Hurkacz earlier a few weeks ago in Rotterdam," Djokovic said. "We played a tough five-setter obviously in Roland Garros. Clay, different conditions. He likes the more bouncy conditions.
"I think that this court is played very quick, actually the quickest I ever experienced the surface here in Dubai. It was always fast, but a lot of players that I talk to have been saying the same thing, it's very, very fast.
"Obviously if you serve well, it's a big advantage. I'm hoping that I can get the good start of the match, hopefully nice atmosphere on the stadium. I'm definitely motivated and inspired to play my best tennis."
Photo credit: Getty