"It's been difficult for me" admits Djokovic ahead of return in Monte-Carlo

Novak Djokovic admitted Sunday that his absence from tournaments due to his continued and controversial refusal to get vaccinated "has been difficult, mentally and emotionally" but he is "moving on".

The world number one's only appearance in 2022 was in Dubai in February where he played just three matches. Having been deported from Melbourne, and missing out on a possible 10th Australian Open, his single-minded Covid-19 stance then also saw him declared persona non-grata at the Indian Wells and Miami Masters.

Speaking in Monaco on Sunday, he said:

"I hope I won't play six matches in six months! The past three to four months have been really difficult for me, mentally and emotionally. But here I am. I'll leave all that behind and move on"

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Djokovic also expects to struggle a bit:

"I understand that I probably won't be at my best at the beginning of this week. I am still testing my engine, so to speak, and building my game, so it will take obviously some time, some matches to really get in the groove and find the competitive play that I really need."

He finished off with:

"I still feel motivated to be on the tour and compete with young guys and try to challenge the best players in the world for the biggest titles. I'm very pleased to be here and Monaco has been home for over 10 years. I have been eagerly waiting for the moment when I will be out competing again, so this is the best place where I could possibly start."