Djokovic finally gets season under way to loud cheers in Dubai

World number one Novak Djokovic finally got his season under way in Dubai on Monday, playing for the first time this year after being deported from Australia for not being vaccinated.

At 22:15 local time, Djokovic arrived on court to face Italian teenager Lorenzo Musetti in his first competitive match since the Davis Cup Finals in early December.

The Serbian star was greeted by loud cheers from a packed Dubai Duty Free Tennis Stadium as he kicked off his quest for a sixth title in the Emirates.

The 34-year-old's hopes of winning a 10th Australian Open, and 21st Grand Slam, in Melbourne last month were shattered when he had his visa cancelled and was deported.

Djokovic can play in Dubai as a coronavirus vaccine is not a requirement to enter the United Arab Emirates.

He spoke to reporters on Sunday night about how it felt to be back on the tennis circuit, and whether there has been any negative reaction from his peers.

"So far here most of the players that I've seen have been positive and welcoming. It's nice to see obviously. I can't say that was the case in Australia. It was a little bit strange. But here it's well so far," he said.

Rafael Nadal, who in Djokovic's absence won the Australian Open, offered long-distance support.

"Vaccinated or unvaccinated, let Novak play again," Nadal said at a press conference ahead of the Mexican Open, in Acapulco, where he and world number two Daniil Medvedev are playing.

Victory in Melbourne was Nadal's 21st at a major, moving him one clear of Djokovic and Roger Federer on the all-time list. Nadal said the Serb's absence was distorting the records.

"It will affect his history, whether he can play or not, it will affect himself, the Grand Slams, I don't know what," Nadal said, although he added