Few tennis fans will be complaining about Novak Djokovic being back on the court following a six-month injury layoff stretching back to last July.

In his absence, the 12-time Grand Slam champion has slipped to his lowest ranking in more than a decade – World No. 14.

He’ll be looking to mark his return with a telling statement at the first major of the season, where he has lifted the trophy on no less than six occasions.

After strolling through round one with an easy win over American Donald Young, Djokovic faced a combative Gael Monfils in 39-degree heat on Thursday.

The extreme conditions made for a gruelling match that could’ve forced any other player recovering from a long-term injury to tap out, but not the Serbian.

So, things are going his way so far in 2018.

However, the 30-year-old has brought much controversy with him on return to the tour.

It began with his calls for increased prize money and rumours of a potential breakaway union, now, Djokovic has switched his attention to the ATP World Tour Finals.

The five-time winner of the year-end championships has proposed the event be moved from London following news the Chinese city of Shenzhen will host the WTA equivalent from 2019.

Citing a twofold increase in prize money once the competition changes hands, Djokovic – president of the ATP Tour player council – feels it’s logical for the ATP to follow suit.

"I mean, that's a big success for WTA, for all the female players. They deserve it. No doubt about it," he said at the Australian Open, per Sport24.

"When it comes down to World Tour Finals, for us and the ATP, London has been a great success for us.”

TIME FOR CHANGE

Despite insisting the English capital has provided a fitting home to the prestigious tournament since 2009, Djokovic says it could be time to pass the baton.

"Because it's just probably the biggest leverage that we have. I mean, outside Grand Slams, ATP is obviously not behind Grand Slams. This is the biggest event that ATP has.

"I think it's probably the biggest asset. Best eight players in the world, singles players, best doubles players, are playing there.

"It should be leveraged more because of the promotion of our sport.

"If we want to grow our sport, especially in regions like China or those parts of the world where tennis is popular, I think we should think about it, just maybe travel it a little bit more."

WHERE TO FROM LONDON?

While stopping short of nominating China as his preferred venue to take over, Djokovic considers the Far East nation to be a viable option.

"Men's tennis is picking up (in China) as well," he said.

"We also have some big events there that they are doing very well. Obviously they have great facilities. Chinese economy is obviously doing great. They love tennis. They put a lot of money into tennis.”

The women’s game is more popular than men’s in China thanks to the achievements of Li Na, so it would be an interesting move for the most important non-Grand Slam ATP event.

But with a potential market exceeding 1.3 billion people, don’t count on it hurting their bid to take the reins.