Novak Djokovic ADMITS he was selfish and says he wants to return to Australia: ‘My mistake which I own’

Novak Djokovic has revealed plans to return to Australia as he admitted he was selfish to have attended a photoshoot after testing positive for Covid-19. ‘I want to come back to Australia in the future and to play on Rod Laver Arena again,’ Djokovic told Serbian national TV (RTS).

‘A lot of professional and personal beautiful things happened to me there. Despite all this, I have a great connection with Australia.’

The tennis star also admitted he was ‘selfish’ when he attended an interview and photoshoot with French newspaper L’Equipe, the day after being advised he had tested positive to Covid last December.’I admit that it was selfish what I’ve done by attending the interview with L’Equipe. My mistake which I own,’ he said.

‘I understand that not all people will forgive me and I understand the critics.’ Djokovic said he did not have regrets about his controversial attempt to play the Australian Open. ‘I don’t regret it. I don’t know if things would have been different if I hadn’t posted that.’

The 20-time grand slam winner said he had liked his chances at this year’s Australian open. ‘Out of respect to Rafael Nadal who won and to all the players, I don’t dare to say that I would’ve won, but I think I had a good chance.’

He said he was surprised to have received support from Australia’s Nick Kyrgios, who had previously been highly critical of Djokovic’s attitude to Covid-19.

‘Kyrgios surprised me pleasantly,’ he said. ‘I thanked him and all the others who stood up for me.
Djokovic is currently in Dubai to play the Dubai Duty Free Tennis Championships, a tournament he is able to compete in as the United Arab Emirates does not require visitors to be vaccinated.

It will be the first tournament he has competed in since his visa cancellation and deportation from Australia. Djokovic and wife Jelena were seen visiting the Expo 2020 world fair in Dubai ahead of the tournament.