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‘Still a Lot of Speculations’ – Novak Djokovic Remains Skeptical Over His Image in the Wake of His Recent Grand Slam Stand

Published 02/22/2022, 12:36 AM EST

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USA Today via Reuters

World no.1 Novak Djokovic is currently playing his first tournament of 2022 at the Dubai Open. Yesterday, the Serb registered his first win of the year after beating Lorenzo Musetti in the first round. 

Earlier, a number of issues surrounding Djokovic’s non-vaccination caused him to leave Australia without participating in the Australian Open. Recently, Novak gave an interview to BBC regarding his vaccination status. In that interview, Novak revealed that he is willing to let go of Grand Slam tournaments, but will not take the vaccine. After winning his first match in Dubai, Novak talked about the impact of that interview with BBC. 

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Novak Djokovic hopes things will shift in a positive way

After his deportation from Australia, Novak Djokovic gave an exclusive interview to BBC. In that interview, Djokovic revealed a lot about not wanting to take the vaccine and is willing to pay the price of not playing in any Grand Slam events this year. 

Djokovic feels that he didn’t read or hear any positive things about his whole situation in Australia. According to the Serb, things will shift in a positive direction after the interview, as he spoke to the media after winning his first match in Dubai.

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“I really don’t know. Of course, there was not many positive articles about this whole situation in the last month or so. But ever since my interview with BBC, I think things are maybe shifting a little bit. I’m hoping,” Djokovic talked about his image.

Watch This Story: John McEnroe furious over Novak Djokovic’s deportation from Australia

“But I understand there’s still a lot of speculations and people questioning. I’ve always been open and transparent, try to speak with the media that maybe criticizes me more or not, I’m open to answer any question. Hopefully, things will shift in a positive way for me,” Djokovic further said.

Novak is back after an emphatic win at the Dubai Open

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In the round of 32 match against Lorenzo Musetti, Djokovic showed that he hasn’t lost a step. The World no.1 absolutely blew away Musetti in straight sets, 6-3,6-3. However, his next match will not be an easy one, as Novak will face either Karen Khachanov or Alex de Minaur.

via Reuters

Djokovic’s next tournament is still unknown, as he can not play at the Indian Wells because of the vaccine mandate. Later, things might change for him, but for now, Novak is focusing on the Dubai Open.

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Can Novak win the Dubai Open? Let us know in the comments.

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Debkinkar Maity

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Debkinkar Maity is a Tennis Author at EssentiallySports. His desire to become a sports journalist inspired him to take up a degree in journalism and mass communication, and he hasn't looked back ever since. Following the sport for over a decade now, Debkinkar has an ardent love for Roger Federer.
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