Novak Djokovic wants to put all the controversy behind him for refusing to be vaccinated against COVID-19.
“I miss the competition,” the Serbian star said on Sunday, the opening day of the Monte Carlo Masters that kicks off the European clay-court season. “I still have the motivation to be on the tour … and to play against the best players in the world for the biggest titles.”
The 20-major champion has barely contested a tournament so far in 2022, succumbing to Jiri Vesely in the Dubai quarterfinals.
Djokovic was unable to defend his Australian Open title in January after being deported from the country for failing to inoculate himself.
More recently, he had to skip the Indian Wells tournaments in California and Miami due to being unable to travel to the United States for the same reason.
He has warned that he will not be vaccinated in order to compete.
For Djokovic, 2022 has been a turbulent year, first with the detention and the 11-day legal saga in Australia, which ended with deportation.
Rafael Nadal was crowned champion at Melbourne Park to capture his 21st major title, breaking his tie with Djokovic and Roger Federer in the all-time men’s tennis table.
In late February, Djokovic was pushed to the top of the rankings for the first time in two years. He fell back to the second step, behind Daniil Medvedev, although he returned to the top seat.
And on March 1, Djokovic announced that Marian Vajda would no longer be his coach after 15 years together.
“The last four, five months have been very difficult for me mentally and emotionally, but I’m still here and I’m going to try to put all that behind me and move on,” Djokovic said on Sunday.
Djokovic will debut in Monaco on Tuesday.
Authorities in France and Monaco lifted nearly all pandemic restrictions last month, allowing unvaccinated individuals to enter the country, as well as being able to enter restaurants, sports arenas and other venues.
With the defense of the French Open title in his sights, Djokovic said that the clay in Monaco offers him the best stage to return to activity although “historically it has not been my most successful surface”.
“It will take me some time, a few games to get into a rhythm, to reach the competitive level that I need,” he added. “Roland Garros is the ultimate goal in the clay season.”
The French Open will start on May 22 in Paris.