World No.1 Novak Djokovic said he has missed playing tennis on Thursday as he prepares for his comeback in Dubai after the COVID-19 vaccine row that kept him from defending his Australian Open title.

The Serb, who was deported from Australia over his vaccination status, toured the Serbian pavilion at Dubai Expo, removing his black mask when requested and writing a long message in the visitors’ book. “I am excited to go back and play on Monday,” he said, referring to the Dubai ATP tournament during brief remarks to media. “I miss tennis after all that has happened.”