During the press conference following his opening-round win, Djokovic was asked to give his thoughts on a variety of topics. The most pertinent questions centered around arch-rival Rafael Nadal winning a record-breaking 21st Major title following the former’s deportation from Australia. He was also probed about the positive reception from his fans in Dubai and whether he would be participating in any American hardcourt events in 2022.

Djokovic was first asked how he felt with regards to Nadal nabbing the 2022 Australian Open title in his absence. The World No. 1 expressed his astonishment at how the Spaniard won the Melbourne Slam despite just having returned from a six-month injury layoff.

The Serb also added that he had “tons of respect” for the 21-time Major winner, while asserting that his rival’s achievement shouldn’t be glossed over just because he was absent from the first Major of the year.

“I was equally excited and nervous like before any other match after a long break” - Novak Djokovic on his return to competitive tennis

Djokovic was then probed on whether he was feeling jittery ahead of his first competitive match since the Davis Cup finals in December last year. In his response, the Serb claimed that he was “equally excited and nervous” ahead of his Dubai opener.

He did insist, however, that he was extremely happy with the positive reception from his fans in the Arab capital - many of whom were waving the Serbian flag throughout the match in support of him.

The World No. 1 was later asked to elaborate further on his experience in Dubai on Tuesday, considering it was his first match of the 2022 season. The Serb admitted that the Melbourne debacle was playing on his mind before he stepped on-court. But he conceded in the same breath that he was “very pleased” with his performance during the match - especially at the crucial junctures.

He did admit, however, that his performance was far from his best, and that he will be looking to hit a higher gear in his next match at the ATP 500 tournament.

During the press conference, Djokovic was asked whether he’ll be playing at American hardcourt events in Indian Wells, Miami and New York. He inferred in his reply that the current US travel guidelines likely wouldn’t allow him to play without being fully vaccinated.

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