Novak Djokovic cruised by his first Australian singles match since being deported final 12 months with a 6-Three, 6-2 win over Fixed Lestienne on the Adelaide Worldwide 1 on Tuesday.
The 35-year-old Serbian was deported on the eve of the 2022 Australian Open for not having been vaccinated towards COVID-19 and was given a three-year journey ban for the nation, which was lifted in November.
After being effectively obtained by followers throughout a uncommon doubles look on Monday, Djokovic started his January 16-29 Australian Open preparations towards world No. 65 Lestienne by cruising by the opening set.
He’s all over the place. All the time. 👀@DjokerNole | #AdelaideTennis pic.twitter.com/KTAZc9qwNG
— ATP Tour (@atptour) January 3, 2023
The 21-time Grand Slam champion turned up the warmth on his French opponent with a double break to go Four-Zero up within the second set earlier than Lestienne obtained on the board, however Djokovic closed out the match in fashion as followers – they chanted the title.
“I’ve to say, I am glad to be again in Australia, thanks all for coming,” Djokovic stated on courtroom. “Thanks for giving me the welcome I might solely want for.
“… If I’ve to decide on a rustic the place I’ve had probably the most success, that has handled me the perfect when it comes to tennis, it is right here. I gained my first Grand Slam right here in 2008 and I’ve 9 Australian Open titles – I’ve had some epic matches.
“Australia has been the place I play my finest tennis and I am wanting ahead to coming right here. Circumstances final 12 months had been what they had been and it wasn’t simple for anybody, however I am pleased to be right here, deal with tennis and revel in my time with you guys.”
Subsequent up for world quantity 5 Djokovic is one other Frenchman in Quentin Halys, who beat Australia’s Jordan Thompson 6-Three, 6-Four.
Former US Open champion Daniil Medvedev additionally superior to the second spherical of the ATP 250 match when Lorenzo Sonego withdrew with a proper arm harm whereas trailing 7-6(6) 2-1 .
Medvedev, who misplaced to Rafa Nadal in final 12 months’s Melbourne Park ultimate, saved 9 set factors to win the opening set.
“It is really loopy,” Medvedev stated. “In all probability for the primary time in my life I saved 9 set factors.
“What a recreation to start out the 12 months. Sadly for everybody, it ended early in a method, though we performed for an hour and 40 minutes, however we’re glad we obtained by.”
Medvedev performs Serbia’s Miomir Kecmanovic for a spot within the quarter-finals.