Andy Murray: Novak Djokovic decision doesn't sit well with me - but I didn't like seeing Australian Open situation

Andy Murray says it would be “better for tennis” if Novak Djokovic was able to play all the major events, but admitted that the World No 1 needs to live with the consequences of being unvaccinated.

Djokovic is back in action this week at the Dubai Tennis Championships and cruised through his first competitive match of 2022, defeating Lorenzo Musetti 6-3 6-3 on Monday.

The Serbian was denied entry into the Australian Open due to not being vaccinated against Covid-19 and was therefore unable to defend his crown, spending days in an immigration hotel and having his case dragged through the courts.

Murray, who is also in Dubai for the ATP 500 event, found the situation uncomfortable and while he has not spoken to him yet in the UAE, revealed that the duo had exchanged messages.

“I’ve not seen him here yet,” Murray said after defeating Christopher O’Connell 6-7 (4/7) 6-3 7-5 in his first-round match. “We exchanged a few message whilst he was in Australia. I said at the time, I don’t agree with his decision. I think it would be a lot easier for him if he was to get vaccinated. But I didn’t like seeing him in the situation he was in, as someone I respect and have known since a child. I didn’t like that.

"I think it would be better for tennis if he was playing all the major events, but there are consequences to the decision he has made and he has to accept that.

After giving his traditional 'heart throwing' celebration to all four grandstands, Djokovic said on court: "I couldn't ask for a better reception.

"It's been a while since I played and I couldn't think of a better place to kickstart the season. Thank you for the reception and welcoming me on court the way you did.

"All in all it's a straight-sets win so I have to be