"I just have to follow the rules" - Djokovic speaks on participation in future tournaments

World No.1 Novak Djokovic met the media ahead of his opening match at the Dubai Duty Free Tennis Championships, and spoke on several issues, including the positive COVID test result in December that led to him being deported from Australia a few weeks later.

“I’m not in a position to understand how these tests are being processed and registered,” he said of the scrutiny over his results. “I’m glad that Institute For Public Health in Serbia has come out publicly and validated those tests. That’s all I can say really. I’m not in a position, neither I’m an expert, to go more into detail.”

The 20-time Grand Slam champion also spoke on his future availability, including his season schedule, which is not set due to the ever-changing COVID requirements.

“I just have to follow the rules. Whatever tournament that I’m able to play, I’ll be trying to get to that country and play the tournament,” Djokovic said.

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“Obviously I’m not intending to play the full schedule,” he said. “I was trying to aim to play my best at the Grand Slams and some of the 1000 events we have, playing for my country. Those were the biggest motivations that I had in terms of the scheduling.

“Right now the situation is obviously different for me. I really can’t choose right now. It’s really about where I can go and play.

“Wherever I have an opportunity, I’ll be using probably that opportunity and going to play because this is what I do, it’s what I love to do still.”