Dubai, United Arab Emirates (CNN) – World number one Novak Djokovic won, on Monday, his first match after being deported from Australia in January for refusing to take a vaccine for the Corona virus, which made him lose participation in the first championship of the new year. Australian Open.
Grand Slam champion Djokovic beat Lorenzo Musseti 6-3, 6-3 in a first-round match at the Dubai Tennis Championships.
Before the match, the crowd cheered loudly for Djokovic as he appeared on the field and the cheering of the fans continued throughout the match.
“There was a lot of emotion after coming back from Australia, so I just needed a little time to think and just rest my mind, and after that, I was looking forward to playing tennis and competing,” Djokovic said, in a pre-season press conference.
And earlier this month, Djokovic said, in an interview with the British “BBC” channel, that he was ready not to participate in the French Open or Wimbledon because of his position on the vaccine.
Before his victory over Musseti, Djokovic was asked about the upcoming tournaments, and said, “I just have to follow the rules. Whatever tournament I can play, I will try to reach the country and play the tournament.”
He added: “At the moment, it is clear that the situation is different for me. I cannot choose now, it is really about where I can go and play.” .”