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There are still many doubts related to the presence of Novak Djokovic at the Masters 1000 in Indian Wells and Miami. The Serb has asked for special permission to participate in the Sunshine Double, unvaccinated people will be able to enter the United States freely starting May 11, and is awaiting a definitive answer.
Djokovic clarified that he has no intention of harming the tournaments, and that he would withdraw from the two American events before the respective draws are even made if he does not receive a response. He explained in the press conference: "We'll see what happens and what the answer will be.
At the moment I only think about doing well in Dubai. As for the draw, I won't wait for it to take place in case I don't know yet whether I can play or not . Whatever happens, we will know before the draw." The Serbian had to deal with a problem with his left leg at the start of the season; a problem that did not end up compromising his journey in Melbourne.
Djokovic won his 22nd career Grand Slam, the tenth at the Australian Open, beating Stefanos Tsitsipas in the final in three sets.
Novak Djokovic and Indian Wells at the final confrontation
Obviously in the next few hours, or in the next few days, communications will have to arrive from both sides, to dissolve the fog around this thorny affair.
Novak has his reasons, the tournament has its reasons. A champion like Nole should always be present in such an important and prestigious tournament. There seems to be a reckoning between player and tournament, but if he doesn't participate it would be really bad for tennis, which is suffering deeply after the retirement of two stars like Roger Federer and Serena Williams.
He also said: "The first game I played in Dubai was the one where I had the most ups and downs. I started well and then managed to survive against a player who had a great night. I made a lot of gratuitous mistakes and didn't play very well.
I didn't feel any pain or discomfort, but it takes two or three games to find the rhythm. It's one thing to train; another to play competitive matches." Finally, Djokovic spoke of his possible presence at the Masters 1000 in Shanghai, scheduled from 4 to 15 October.
He added: "For now it's still quite a long way off. I'll have to evaluate with my team which program to follow after the Us Open and then I'll decide which tournaments to play. One thing is certain: I like playing in China, I like being there.
I have a lot of fans in China and over the years they have given me a lot of support. It's one of the reasons why I play so well in both Beijing and Shanghai. They really make me feel at home."