Look: Novak Djokovic visits Expo 2020 ahead of Dubai Duty Free Tennis Championships

Receives warm welcome to the UAE ahead of his return to the tennis courts next week

Published: February 18, 2022 11:30 Imran Malik, Assistant Editor

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Serbian tennis star Novak Djokovic poses for a photo after his presentation of the Novak Djokovic foundation in the Serbia pavilion at Dubai Expo 2020, in Dubai, UAE. Image Credit: AP

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Djokovic at the Serbian pavilion at the Expo 2020 in Dubai. The world number one received a warm welcome in Dubai, where he visited the world's fair following the global drama around his decision to remain unvaccinated. Image Credit: AFP

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Djokovic was deported from Australia last month ahead of the year’s first Grand Slam Tournament. He is now in the UAE for the Duty Free Tennis Championships. Image Credit: AP

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He posed for selfies with fans whilst on a guided tour of Serbia’s national pavilion at Expo 2020. Image Credit: AFP

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When asked how he feels after the legal dispute over his travel visa he said, “I’m excited to go out on the tennis court next Monday. I miss tennis honestly after everything that has happened.” Image Credit: AFP

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But Djokovic maintains he is not against vaccination but will skip Grand Slam tournaments if he is forced to take the jab against COVID-19. Image Credit: AFP

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The 20-time major champion also says he has unfinished business at the Olympics and will be gunning for gold at Paris 2024. Image Credit: AFP

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The men’s Dubai Duty Free Tennis Championship event begins next week and Djokovic is the favourite to win. Image Credit: AFP

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Wearing a crisp white shirt and black mask emblazoned with his foundation’s logo, he gave high fives to his fans on his way out of Dubai Expo. “Everything that has happened will affect my return in Dubai,” he said. “I will try to channel all this energy, to turn it into fuel both mentally and physically. There is extra motivation, surely.” Image Credit: Reuters

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