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Novak Djokovic stated he felt “very a lot appreciated” as he made a perfect return to the Australian Open with a ruthless victory over Spain’s Roberto Carballes Baena on Tuesday.
The Serb enjoyed a rousing reception at Rod Laver Arena in Melbourne following his deportation a year ago as he launched his bid for a 10th Australian Open title in style.
The 35-year-old, who missed last year’s Grand Slam because of his stance on Covid vaccines, showed few signs of the hamstring niggle he picked up in Adelaide this month as he raced to an emphatic 6-3, 6-4, 6-0 win.
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There were concerns over how the former number one might be received by fans at Melbourne Park following the deportation saga 12 months ago.
The city endured lengthy lockdowns during the height of the pandemic.
But, as in Adelaide, the fourth seed walked out to loud cheers and chants of “Nole”, with vocal backing through the match from a stadium awash with Serbian flags.
“Thank you for giving me such a welcoming reception that I might solely dream of,” said Djokovic, who is chasing a record-equalling 22nd major title.
“I feel really happy that I’m back here in Australia and on the court where I have had the biggest success in my career.
“Definitely this court is the most special court in my life and I couldn’t ask for a better start to the tournament.”
Australian Open 2023: Novak Djokovic Makes Stunning Return in Rod Laver Arena With Dominant Victory
He arrived at Melbourne Park in scorching kind after ending 2022 by profitable one other ATP Finals title, then adopted that up by triumphing on the Adelaide International.
As if that wasn’t daunting sufficient for 75th-ranked Carballes Baena, Djokovic got here into the conflict having received his final 21 Australian Open matches.
He opened with an ace, however didn’t have all of it his personal manner at first, needing to save three break factors within the fifth sport.
But he shortly settled and broke the subsequent sport to love for a 4-2 lead and closed out the set.
His hamstring appeared to bother him briefly when he slid for a shot at 2-2 within the subsequent set, however he pressed on and broke once more for 4-Three when Carballes Baena netted a forehand.
Djokovic stepped up a stage because the clock ticked handed midnight in Melbourne and he instantly broke within the third set, with the Spaniard out of solutions as the previous world primary surged to victory.
Asked afterwards concerning the welcome he was given, Djokovic stated: “Very a lot appreciated. I felt very welcome on the courtroom, particularly the Serbian neighborhood that’s huge right here in Australia has welcomed me in an unimaginable manner.
“So a lot assist. So a lot love. I couldn’t ask for a greater begin of the event when it comes to assist, when it comes to how I felt on the courtroom and likewise taking part in.”
He will play Bolivian Hugo Dellien or French qualifier Enzo Couacaud in the second round.
– ‘Really glad’ –
In Djokovic’s absence last year, long-time rival Rafael Nadal won the title to claim a 21st Grand Slam which he stretched to 22 at the French Open.
Djokovic won Wimbledon to take his haul to 21 and he has made no secret about wanting more.
He said the left hamstring problem which has been bothering him for more than a week had been of no real concern.
“The leg is good. It’s not ideal, but it’s getting there. Today was a really good test,” he stated.
“Haven’t had an excessive amount of coaching in the previous couple of days, to be sincere with you, tennis-wise.
“I’m really actually glad that it felt higher because the match progressed. The third set was nice. That’s a great sign, a great signal.”
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(This story has not been edited by News18 employees and is printed from a syndicated information company feed)
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