Monaco – Novak Djokovic is able to get away of the controversy surrounding his refusal to vaccinate in opposition to COVID-19.
“I miss the competitors,” the Serbian tennis star stated on Sunday on the opening day of the clay court docket season on the Monte Carlo Masters in Monaco. “I nonetheless really feel motivated to be on the Tour and compete… and attempt to problem the very best gamers on this planet for the most important titles.”
The 20-time Grand Slam champion has solely performed one match thus far in 2023, dropping to Jerry Vesely within the Dubai Championship quarter-finals.
Djokovic was unable to defend his Australian Open title in January after being deported from the nation for not being vaccinated in opposition to COVID-19.
Not too long ago, he needed to skip tournaments in Indian Wells, California and Miami as a result of he could not journey to the US for a similar motive.
He introduced that he wouldn’t get the vaccine till he might compete.
It was a turbulent begin to 2023 for Djokovic, who underwent detention and a court docket case throughout an 11-day saga in Australia earlier than being repatriated.
Rafael Nadal went on to win the twenty first Australian Open, breaking the tie with Djokovic and Roger Federer.
On the finish of February, Djokovic misplaced his No. 1 rating for the primary time in two years, dropping to second place behind Daniil Medvedev, earlier than reclaiming the highest spot.
On March 1, Djokovic introduced that he and coach Marian Vajda had separated after 15 years collectively.
“The previous 4 or 5 months have been very troublesome for me mentally and emotionally, however right here I’m and I am attempting to depart all that behind and transfer on,” Djokovic stated on Sunday.
Its opening match is scheduled to happen in Monaco on Tuesday.
Authorities in France and Monaco lifted most COVID-19 restrictions final month, permitting individuals who had not been vaccinated to enter the nation and return to eating places, sports activities arenas and different venues.
With the 2023 French Open title nonetheless on his thoughts, Djokovic declared the mud in Monaco the very best floor for his comeback despite the fact that “traditionally it has not been my most profitable floor”.
I’ll attempt to use [the French Open title] As inspiration to begin the claycourt season in the absolute best manner, Djokovic stated, “I perceive that I in all probability will not be at my finest, particularly firstly.”
“It is going to take a while, some matches, till we get to the groove,” he added.
The French Open begins on Might 22 in Paris.
