Novak Djokovic To Play In Dubai ATP Tournament After Australian Open Saga

The World No. 1 tennis star Novak Djokovic is expected to return in the game as his name appeared on the entry list, released on Tuesday, for the ATP 500 Tournament in Dubai after his visa cancellation in Australia.

The COVID-19 vaccination passports or certificates are not required in order to enter Dubai. Visitors are only asked to provide a negative coronavirus test result 72 hours and six hours before the flight, as well as after landing in the country. The Serbian player previously created a list of success in Dubai, he is a six-time Dubai finalist who won the tournament five times. He took home his fifth title in 2020 before the ATP halted the season because of the pandemic, beating Stefanos Tsitsipas 6-3, 6-4.

Legally losing his battle to defend a spot in the Australian Open has prevented Djokovic in his most desired record of the 21st Grand Slam title. The 34-year-old tennis superstar has recently been the center of the media spotlight due to his medical exemption controversy and deportation from Australia.

After losing his visa appeal, he accepted the court's decision and left the country. "I would like to make a brief statement to address the outcome's of today's Court hearing, I will now be taking some time to rest and recuperate, before making any further comments beyond this," Djokovic said in a statement. "I'm extremely disappointed with the Court ruling to discuss my application for judicial review of the Minister's decision to cancel my visa, which means I cannot stay in Australia and participate in the Australian Open."

"I respect the Court's ruling and I will cooperate with the relevant authorities in relation to my departure from the country. "I'm uncomfortable that the focus of the past weeks has been on me and I hope that we can all now focus on the game and tournament I love, I would like to wish the players, tournament officials, staff, volunteers and fans all the best for the tournament." He also mentioned his gratitude to his supporters who have been his strength until now.

The pandemic and all the country’s tight travel regulations have proved to be damaging for Djokovic and his career. The tennis star is on the edge of losing his No.1 position to Daniil Medvedev, who has reached the quarter-finals of the Australian Open, where he will face Felix Auger Aliassime. Meanwhile, the Dubai event begins on Feb. 21.