Fans’ welcome ‘exceeded expectations’, says Djokovic after winning return
Novak Djokovic admitted the warm reception he was given by fans in Dubai on Monday exceeded his expectations as he made a successful return to the tour for the first time since his deportation from Australia.
Quite the reception for Novak Djokovic in Dubai pic.twitter.com/xvSeTwuMj0
— Molly McElwee (@molly_mcelwee) February 21, 2022
The world No 1 kicked off his 2022 campaign with a 6-3, 6-3 victory over Italian teenager Lorenzo Musetti, and was greeted by loud cheers from a packed stadium as he commenced his quest for a sixth title in the Emirates in style.
Djokovic was not sure how he would be received in the wake of everything that happened in Australia last month, but stated he “couldn’t ask for a better reception” as fans scrambled to take photos with him after the match, chanting ‘Nole, Nole’, to celebrate his victory and his return to action.
"I couldn't ask for a better reception."🙌@DjokerNole | @DDFTennis | #DDFTennis pic.twitter.com/C7FY0bvdum
— ATP Tour (@atptour) February 21, 2022
“I think Dubai is a perfect place for me to start a season because of the support and the fans that showed up tonight and really cheered me on the way they did,” Djokovic told reporters in an outdoor press conference that was specifically set up for him, away from the main interview room.
“They exceeded my best expectations, so to say, in terms of the atmosphere.”