Novak Djokovic next match: Dubai Tennis Championships 2022 - key dates, schedule and Covid vaccination rules

Novak Djokovic, the number one tennis player in the world, is set to make his return to the tennis court for the Dubai Tennis Championships later this month.

The Serbian tennis ace was due to play at the Australian Open but his vaccination status meant he was deported from the country just a day before his first scheduled match.

In a recent BBC interview, Djokovic stated that he will continue his stance on remaining unvaccinated and would rather sacrifice trophies rather than getting the jab.

When asked why, by the interviewer Amol Rajan, he said: “Because the principles of decision making on my body are more important than any title or anything else. I’m trying to be in tune with my body as much as I possibly can.”

It is currently looking more and more unlikely that Djokovic will be able to play in any French tournaments due to their new Covid passport regulations and as the French Open is the next Grand Slam, the tennis player will have to wait until Wimbledon and beyond if he is to match Rafael Nadal’s 21 Grand Slam winning record.

Djokovic will travel soon to compete in the Dubai Tennis Championships where the women’s tournament is already underway.

The Women’s qualifying rounds took place over the weekend (Saturday 12 and Sunday 13 February 2022) with the first rounds taking place yesterday and today (Tuesday 15 February 2022).

Ajla Tomljanovic, the Wimbledon quarter-finalist was knocked out in the first round by Varvara Gracheva who won 6-1 7-5.

British tennis player, Harriet Dart, was also knocked out in the last round of qualifiers by Marta Kostyuk who comfortably beat the Brit 6-1 6-1.

Here are all the important dates ahead of the Dubai Tennis Championship

When is the WTA tour of the Dubai Tennis Championship?

• Wednesday 16 February 2022 - Second Round 
• Thursday 17 February 2022 - Quarterfinals 
• Friday 18 February 2022 - Semi finals 
• Saturday 19 February 2022 - Finals 

When is the ATP tournament for the Dubai Tennis Championship?

• Saturday 19 February 2022 - Qualifying 
• Sunday 20 February 2022 - Qualifying 
• Monday 21 February 2022 - First Round 
• Tuesday 22 February 2022 - First Round 
• Wednesday 23 February 2022 - Second Round 
• Thursday 24 February 2022 - Quarterfinals 
• Friday 25 February 2022 - Semi finals 
• Saturday 26 February 2022 - Finals 

What are the Covid-19 restrictions for Dubai?

The Visit Dubai website has a list of requirements that must be met on entering the country:

All passengers arriving from anywhere in the world must hold a negative PCR test certificate, for which the test must be taken no more than 72 hours prior to the time of departure.

Certain countries must have a negative PCR taken no more than 48 hours before.

These certificates must be printed in either English or Arabic. Certificates in other languages are acceptable if they can be validated at the originating station with a valid QR code. No handwritten SMS or digital certificates are acceptable.

Those from select destinations or those who show symptoms of COVID-19 on arrival may be asked to take another test at Dubai Airport.

The website also states that 90% of the population is fully vaccinated. While it is not a requirement within the country, Dubai Tourism continues to work diligently under the guidance from the World Health Organisation to maintain high standards of public hygiene and safety, so the well-being of all residents and visitors remains uncompromised.

It has also been recognised by the World Travel and Tourism Council and received its Safe Travels Stamp for its safety protocols in place.

Which tennis players are playing in the WTA tournament?

Garbine Muguruza is currently in the round of 32 and Maria Sakkari - a former opponent of Emma Raducanu is also featuring in the tournament.

The Australian Open finalist, Danielle Collins, was knocked out in the first round by Marketa Vondrousova.

Which tennis players are likely to feature in the ATP tour?

Along with Djokovic, Andrey Rublev and Felix Auger-Aliassime will form the highest ranked tennis players at the competition.

Britain’s Daniel Evans is also set to take to the court along with the French icon Gael Monfils

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