In his first match since being involved in a vaccine and visa saga, Novak Djokovic won at the Dubai Tennis Championships and says he had the best possible experience.
He saw off Lorenzo Musetti on his return to action.
He said it was a pleasant experience.
After thanking the crowd following his first match of the next year, he added: "I couldn't ask for a better reception." I haven't played the last match in a while.
I couldn't pick a better place to start the season.
It was a straight-set win, so I have to be satisfied, especially after not playing for two and a half months.
There were times when I played well and times when I made unforced errors.
It is normal to expect that for the first time in a while. I am happy I was able to finish the job tonight against a very talented player from Italy.
The number one seed will face either Russia or Australia in the second round, as he saved all seven break points he served against Musetti.
He beat his chest in a show of emotion after testing moments in the win but when asked if that was to draw more from him or his team he told Amazon Prime: "I'll pass on that question."
It is always in the heat of the battle that you need to get that energy out. Sometimes you are frustrated with yourself and the things that are happening.
It is important to re-group, get your things together and focus on the next point.
If Russia's Medvedev wins a tournament this week, he could take over the world number-one ranking from Serbia's Djokovic, who has held it for 86 weeks in a row.
He told the news last week that he would rather miss out on future tennis trophies than get a Covid vaccine.
The Covid-19 vaccine is not required to enter the United Arab Emirates.
He will have to follow the rules when he plays in the restricted tournament at Indian Wells on March 7.
I will be trying to get to that country and play in the tournament if I am able to.
His decision to turn down the vaccine could affect his chances of building on his 20 Grand Slam wins.
He holds the Wimbledon and French Open titles. His participation at the French Open in May is in doubt, with the French sports minister saying on Sunday that he won't be allowed because he needs a vaccine.
Andy Murray said it would be easier for Novak if he were to get vaccinations.
Murray said he didn't like seeing him in the situation that he was in in Australia as someone that he had known since he was a child.
There are consequences to the decisions he has made. I don't think it's good for tennis if our best player isn't competing.
The government of Australia canceled his visa after he was accused of faking his vaccine status.
He said that he was granted a medical exemption to enter the country to play in the Australian Open as he had recently recovered from Covid-19.
The immigration minister of the country canceled the visa of the man on the grounds that he could cause civil unrest and encourage anti-vaccine sentiment.
He supports an individual's right to choose, but he shouldn't be associated with the anti-vax movement.
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