Novak Djokovic is free of the injury that ultimately didn’t hamper his title run in Australia and is ready to return to the courts after winning the 22nd Grand Slam of his career.

In his 378th week as world no.

“Dubai has become one of the most important destinations for tennis players, men and women, in the last 10-15 years. Many come here in the off-season, including me. I try to spend 1-2 weeks in December and come in February in the tournament .

The climate is fantastic and the conditions and facilities are excellent. People here love tennis. I feel very well. I have great support from the crowd here and can’t wait to experience the atmosphere at the stadium again.” Nole said at Sunday’s press conference.

Djokovic is unbeaten this season and heads to Dubai on a 12-0 streak while holding a 43-7 record in the tournament. Last year, the Serb suffered a heartbreaking defeat by Jiri Veseli in the quarterfinals.

The good news for the Serb is that he is not bothered by the left adductor injury that plagued him earlier this year.

“It was a challenge in Australia. I knew what I was going through and so did my team. That makes winning in Melbourne all the more important. I didn’t practice at all between games in Australia. I just warmed up before the games, which I had luckily prepared well in the pre-Melbourne days.

I haven’t had any pain at all for the past week. I feel good on the pitch and I’m at 100%. I’m not there yet, but it’s a process.” added the best tennis player in the world.

Nole will take up his post on Tuesday (28/2) in Dubai, where he meets 22-year-old Czech qualifier, world No. 130 Tomas Machacs.

Andy Murray has withdrawn from the Dubai Tennis Championships with Marseille title winner Hubert Hurkatz a potential quarterfinal opponent for Djokovic.

Also at the top of the table is Daniil Medvedev, who has won back-to-back titles in Rotterdam and Doha.

Source: Tennis24