Former world No. 3 David Ferrer says it’s a shame that Novak Djokovic was forced to miss some big events at the start of the season as he has expressed hope to see the Serb in the remaining Masters and Grand Slam events in 2022.
Djokovic, ranked at No. 1 in the world, was scheduled to start his season at the Australian Open but his visa was cancelled and he was deported from the country.
Djokovic also signed up to play the Masters events in Indian Wells and Miami but he was denied entry into the United States because of his vaccination status.
Djokovic started his clay season last week in Monte Carlo and he is scheduled to play the French Open.
France lifted its vaccine mandate last month, paving a way for Djokovic to play Monte Carlo and Roland Garros.
“For tennis it’s a shame, because we want to see the best in the world compete and Djokovic is one of the best in history,” Ferrer told La Vanguardia, per Sportskeeda. “Hopefully it can be resolved soon. So far he has already been to Monte Carlo.”
Djokovic set to play Belgrade
Djokovic was playing just his second tournament of the season last week in Monte Carlo.
In his first clay match of the year, Djokovic suffered a shock defeat to Alejandro Davidovich Fokina.
After a 6-3 6-7 (5) 6-1 loss, former world No. 1 Andy Roddick said Djokovic’s early exit wasn’t that concerning.
“He’s very short of matches since the US Open. It was a big ask. What Novak was hoping to do was turn it around, get through, survive this match and then find his game later on,” Roddick said on Tennis Channel.
“Not a big thing to worry about, all to be expected but expect him to maybe sneak in tournament or two, play a little bit of a heavier schedule until he finds that footing. Obviously, with the goal being Roland Garros.”