Of course, Novak Djokovic's tennis comeback in Dubai is also about the unprecedented court drama in Australia and the consequences.

With a number of question marks about his future and new motivation, the number one in the world is back.

The Serb reacted relieved and emotional to his sovereign first round victory as well as to the cheers of the audience.

Unlike when he was expelled before the Australian Open five weeks ago, Djokovic, who was not vaccinated against the corona virus, feels welcome in the United Arab Emirates.

But he doesn't know how things will continue for him in the coming weeks and months.

The fact that he was happy after the 6: 3, 6: 3 against the 19-year-old Italian Lorenzo Musetti, as if it was about much more than an unchallenged opening success in a normal ATP tournament, shows that he was unsure like them return would go.

"It was a great reception, I must say.

Of course I felt great," said the 34-year-old and thanked the fans from the bottom of his heart.

"They exceeded my expectations in terms of atmosphere."

The hard court event in Dubai, which is worth a good 2.9 million dollars, is one of the few tournaments in which the 20-time Grand Slam champion can currently compete without any problems.

He did not need a corona vaccination.

On Monday night, Djokovic made unforced errors uncharacteristic of him in his first appearance of the year and first since December 3rd.

But he also proved that in his class against the world number 58.

Musetti doesn't mind.

And why he is also a favorite against the Russian Olympic finalist Karen Khachanov in the round of 16.

He was celebrated with shouts of "Nole, Nole" and Serbian flags.

In the meantime, he had only been able to train in Melbourne Park before the Australian Open, until the Australian Federal Court rejected the record winner's appeal and finally expelled him from the country.

"Of course there were a lot of emotions after I came back from Australia, so I needed a bit of time to think and recover mentally," said Djokovic: "Considering what I've been through in the last few months, I'm even more motivated, more inspired to play my best tennis.”

In Dubai, his tennis colleagues would have treated him kindly.

"The majority welcomed me and said it's nice to see me back on the tour," said the top seed, who is immediately under pressure.

He'll need to be strong if he's to stand a chance of continuing his prestigious status as world number one.

But that's not in his hands.

The Russian Melbourne finalist Daniil Medvedev will definitely overtake him if he wins the tournament in Acapulco at the same time.

If it doesn't happen this week, the changing of the guard is probably just a matter of time.

Because how often competitors and fans will see Djokovic on the tour is questionable.

Undesirable in Indian Wells

All his ambition does not mean that he has already been vaccinated against the corona virus.

Even at the risk of missing the French Open and Wimbledon and not being able to replace his Spanish rival Rafael Nadal as Grand Slam record champion, he remains true to his line for the time being.

He himself knows that this gives him little choice in his planning. "I just have to follow the rules," said Djokovic: "Wherever I have the opportunity, I will probably use the opportunity."

In Indian Wells from March 10th, the most important event behind the Grand Slams, unvaccinated people are undesirable.

"As of today, I can't play.

But let's wait and see what happens.

I mean, maybe things will change in the next few weeks," Djokovic said.