Novak Djokovic's 2022 has been very tumultuous. However, Djokovic appears ready to move forward with his career, and attempt to regain his status as the most dominant tennis player in the world. While speaking to the press Sunday, Djokovic talked about using the last few months as fuel as clay court season begins. The Associated Press captured his thoughts.
“I still feel motivation to be on the tour and compete … and try to challenge the best players in the world for the biggest titles,” Djokovic said. “The last four, five months have been really challenging for me mentally and emotionally, but here I am and I try to leave all that behind and move on.”
Novak Djokovic was not allowed to compete in the 2022 Australian Open because he had refused to get the COVID-19 vaccine. Officials had gone back and forth, ultimately holding the world's number one player in detention until a final decision had been determined. He was not allowed to compete and rival Rafael Nadal went on to win the tournament. That was Nadal's 21st career Grand Slam title. That broke a three-way tie with Roger Federer and Djokovic.
The Serbian superstar then was not allowed to compete in California and Florida because he is not allowed to travel into the United States unless vaccinated.
A month after being deported out of Australia, Djokovic was surpassed by Daniil Medvedev for the world's number one player. That was the first time in two years he was not the top ranked player in the world.
Djokovic's first match in the clay court season is slated for Tuesday in Monaco. He will be looking to put everything behind him and focus on tennis. Djokovic will attempt to tie Nadal with his 21st Grand Slam title next month at the French Open.
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