Nothing will be the same after Australia: Djokovic

Belgrade, Feb 17 (EFE).- Shortly before returning to the courts Monday in Dubai, tennis world No. 1 Novak Djokovic said Thursday that nothing would be the same for him after the expulsion of Australia in January for not getting vaccinated against Covid-19.

“I can’t say that things will be the same when I return to the court, for sure this situation will influence my return,” Djokovic said in an interview with Serbian public television station RTS.

The episode lived in Australia, where he was arrested twice and in the end expelled for not being vaccinated against the coronavirus, is an “additional motivation,” he said.

“I have additional motivation and inspiration to go out on the court and play better than ever. Nothing is guaranteed, but I’m glad for the opportunity and I’m looking forward to playing in Dubai,” said the Serbian tennis player, who returns to action Monday at an ATP tournament in Dubai.

Djokovic said he would like to play in many tournaments, especially the Grand Slams and other major ATP events, but said his participation would depend on the regulations of the organizing countries concerning Covid-19.

Djokovic defended the autonomy of each person to decide on their health, and said that he, as a professional athlete, tries to “verify with great attention what to introduce into the body and how it influences it,” since he feels each change.

At the moment the tennis player does not plan to get vaccinated but added that he has “an open mind.” EFE.

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