After an elongated visa saga at the Australian Open, Novak Djokovic finally wins a game in 2022. Playing against Lorenzo Musetti at Dubai Championship, Novak defeated Musetti 6-3, 6-3. The 34 years old Siberian tennis legend has always remained calm and composed throughout the game. Displaying strong mental health, there were no signs of fatigue or mental baggage from his drama at the Australian Open. He put up a typically professional performance to glide into the second round.
This is Djokovic’s first match of the year. Earlier, this year his chances of competing in the Australian Open didn’t come through. He was deported after an 11-day saga of his refusal to take the COVID-19 vaccine and a contentious exemption. The decision to deport the Siberian from Melbourne came through after two court sessions, with Australia’s immigration minister Alex Hawke ultimately determining that he could feed anti-vax sentiment.
Novak Djokovic: “I have to be satisfied with my tennis”
However, a true winner accomplishes his goals irrespective of obstacles. Just like a true champion, accepting the decision in Australia, he decided to move on. Back on a tennis court at Dubai, Djokovic demonstrated why he would have been the favorite to win his 10th Australian Open title.
Djokovic glided through the gears. His fans were cheering on to the court late-night. He broke Musetti’s serve in the fourth game of a straightforward opening set. When he was serving at 3-2 and had to save breakpoints, he reduced his level temporarily, but he never appeared threatened as his followers, many of whom were waving Serbian flags, applauded his victories. Djokovic won the match on his first match point with a stunning forehand winner.
“I have to be satisfied with my tennis, especially after not playing for two and a half, three months,” Djokovic said on court. “Of course, there were moments when I played great, there were moments when I made a couple of unforced errors in a row uncharacteristically. But it’s normal to expect that (in my) first match after a while.”
