Security steps in as Novak Djokovic spots shift in ‘strange’ player backlash at Dubai return to tennis

Novak Djokovic says he has been welcomed by “most” players he has seen in Dubai as he returns to tennis following his Australian deportation saga.

The world No.1 was upbeat at a news conference on the eve of the Dubai Tennis Championship on Sunday, his first tournament since missing the year’s first grand slam over his vaccination status.

“It wasn’t really difficult for me to pick up a racquet and go out and practise the sport and just play,” the Serbian told reporters.

“I’m as well prepared as I possibly can be.”

Djokovic’s presence brings an unusual amount of scrutiny to the annual tournament near Dubai International Airport and authorities also apparently took extraordinary steps of their own.

Organisers blocked most photographers and videographers from Djokovic’s news conference without explanation.

Earlier, security guards were out in force at Djokovic’s practice, questioning reporters who tried to grab a glimpse of him serving and swinging on the court.

The guards acknowledged these restrictions were not in place for any other players.

The saga of Djokovic’s cancelled travel visa on the eve of the Australian Open drew intense interest around the world, shining a light on how public officials approach pandemic restrictions and exemptions.

But Djokovic admitted the dramatic legal dispute also took a personal toll.

“There were lots of emotions after I came back from Australia,” he said.

“It was strange. I was disappointed, I was sad about the way it all has played out and the way I left the country.”

Djokovic said he had been welcomed by “most of the players” he had seen since arriving in Dubai, a contrast to Melbourne Park.

“I haven’t seen too many players, but most of the players that I’ve seen have been positive