Novak Djokovic - What's next for the industry leader?
It is currently unclear whetherNovak Djokovic will be allowed to play in Indian Wells and Miami. With a start in Dubai, on the other hand, things are looking good.
by Nikolaus Fink
last edit: Feb 14, 2023, 12:05 am
With his triumph at the Australian Open , Novak Djokovic equaled Rafael Nadal's record in the all-time Grand Slam leaderboard. However, the 22nd major triumph was hard work for the Serb, who had to deal with thigh problems before and during the event in Melbourne. How serious these actually were, could probably be argued about forever.
However, there is no potential for discussion when it comes to the question of who is currently the best tennis player in the world. Djokovic's dominance has also been reflected in the world rankings for a few weeks, but Carlos Alcaraz could certainly endanger the Serbs in the coming weeks. Especially if Djokovic's request for an exemption to enter the United States should not be granted.
Djokovic starts preparing for the next tournament
It would probably be the last time that Djokovic would miss a tennis tournament - in this case it would even be two with Indian Wells and Miami - due to his lack of vaccination against the corona virus. Provided, of course, that the pandemic situation remains as manageable as it is at the moment.
Regardless of the US authorities' decision, Djokovic had previously planned to start at the ATP 500 tournament in Dubai (February 27 to March 4). Nothing should stand in the way of this at least. As his physio Marco Panichi revealed in a video on Instagram, Djokovic started preparing for his next tournament in Belrad on Monday. Which in all likelihood will be the one in the United Arab Emirates.