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Associated Press

Novak Djokovic is ready to move on from the controversy surrounding his refusal to get vaccinated against Covid-19.
“I miss competition,” the Serbian tennis star said on the opening day of the clay-court season at the Monte Carlo Masters in Monaco. “I still feel motivation to be on the tour and compete … and try to challenge the best players in the world for the biggest titles.”
The 20-time grand slam champion has played only one tournament so far in 2022, losing to Jiri Vesely in the quarter finals of the Dubai Championships.
Djokovic could not defend his Australian Open title in January after he was deported from the country for not being inoculated.

More recently, he had to skip tournaments in Indian Wells, California, and Miami because he could not travel to the United States for the same reason.
He has declared that he would not get the vaccine in order to be able to compete.
It has been a turbulent start to 2022 for Djokovic, who went through detention and a court case during an 11-day saga in Australia before he was sent home and not allowed to defend his title at Melbourne Park.
Rafael Nadal went on to win the Australian Open for his 21st major trophy, breaking a tie with Djokovic and Roger Federer.

At the end of February, Djokovic lost his No. 1 ranking for the first time in two years, sliding to No 2 behind Daniil Medvedev, before reclaiming top spot.
And on March 1, Djokovic announced that he and coach Marian Vajda were splitting after 15 years together.
“The last four, five months have been really challenging for me mentally and emotionally but here I am and I try to leave all that behind and move on,” Djokovic said.
Novak Djokovic cleared to defend French Open title
Djokovic said what happened in Australia has not affected his ability to win.
“I don’t feel like it has left huge scars on me that I’m unable to train or participate in tournaments or live my life,” Djokovic said. “I will try to use that as a fuel for what’s coming up.”
His opening match in Monaco is scheduled for Tuesday.
The authorities in France and Monaco lifted most Covid-19 restrictions last month, allowing people who aren’t vaccinated into the country and back into restaurants, sports arenas and other venues.
With his French Open title in 2021 still fresh in his mind, Djokovic proclaimed that the clay in Monaco is the best surface to stage his comeback even though “historically it has not been my most successful surface.”
“I will try to use (the French Open title) as an inspiration to kick-start the clay court season the best possible way,” Djokovic said. “I understand that I probably won’t be at my best, particularly at the beginning.”
He added that “it will take some time, some matches to really get in the groove.”
The French Open starts on May 22 in Paris.


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ATP (Association of Tennis Professionals)

Novak Djokovic is motivated to compete again for biggest titles – ‘I miss competition’

Serbia’s Novak Djokovic during a practice session at Monte Carlo Masters. Photo: Reuters 

Serbia’s Novak Djokovic during a Monte Carlo Masters practice session. Photo: Reuters

Rafael Nadal on his way to winning the 2022 Australian Open. Photo: Reuters

Serena Williams hints she will make return to tennis at Wimbledon, with US Open under consideration

Serena Williams returns the ball during the 2020 US Open at the USTA Billie Jean King National Tennis Center. Photo: AFP

Serena Williams in action during her first round match against Germany’s Laura Siegemund at the Australian Open. Photo: Reuters

Serena Williams congratulates Japan’s Naomi Osaka on her win in their women’s singles semi-final match on day eleven of the Australian Open. Photo: AFP

After a spate of angry outbursts, former tennis world No 1 Chris Evert calls for more discussion around mental health

Nick Kyrgios tosses his racket after losing a point to Rafael Nadal during the BNP Paribas Open tennis tournament. Photo: AP

Nick Kyrgios’ recent outbursts have included smashing rackets and arguing with audience members. Photo: USA Today Sports

Naomi Osaka speaks with WTA supervisor Clare Wood after play was disrupted by a shout from the crowd during her straight sets defeat against Veronika Kudermetova. Photo: AFP

Novak Djokovic cleared to defend French Open title, Russian players including Daniil Medvedev expected to compete

Serbia’s Novak Djokovic in action during the Dubai Duty Free Tennis Championship. Photo: AP

Novak Djokovic featured on the "We Miss You” wall after withdrawing from the BNP Paribas Open. Photo: AFP

Daniil Medvedev of Russia in action against Gael Monfils of France in their third round match of the BNP Paribas Open at the Indian Wells Tennis Garden. Photo: AFP

Sport

Tennis


It has been a turbulent start to 2022 for Djokovic, who went through detention and a court case in Australia before being deported
‘The last four, five months have been really challenging for me mentally and emotionally, but here I am and I try to leave all that behind,’ Djokovic said



Novak Djokovic is ready to move on from the controversy surrounding his refusal to get vaccinated against Covid-19.
