Tennis News : Djokovic says he's at his 'peak' ahead of tour return in Dubai after Australian Open saga

Novak Djokovic faced the media on Sunday as he prepares to play his first tournament of the year at the Dubai Tennis Championship, where he will face Italian wildcard Lorenzo Musetti in the opening round.

The world number one, who missed last month's Australian Open due to his deportation from the country as a result of not being vaccinated against Covid-19, said it had not taken him long to get back on the court feeling refreshed and motivated.

Djokovic also insisted he had been given a "positive and welcoming" reception from players in the locker room in Dubai as he prepares for his return to the tour.

"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 added.

The 20-time Grand Slam champion, who confirmed in a recent interview that he was willing to forgo the chance to compete at any tournament with a vaccine mandate, also admitted that he may have limited opportunities to play because of his refusal to accept the vaccination.