Novak Djokovic nonetheless has loads of love for the nation that deported him, saying he holds no grudges in opposition to Australia after being welcomed again with open arms.
Djokovic booked a spot within the second spherical of the Adelaide International 1 on Tuesday with a thumping 6-3 6-2 win over Frenchman Constant Lestienne.
It was his first singles match in Australia since being deported final January for refusing to have the COVID-19 vaccine.
The 21-time grand slam champion obtained a rousing reception when he stepped on courtroom on Tuesday, and he did not disappoint his adoring followers.
Djokovic’s energy, courtroom pace and deft work on the internet proved an excessive amount of for Lestienne, with the match lasting simply 74 minutes.
The world No.5, who misplaced his low-key doubles match on Monday, repeatedly touched his coronary heart earlier than signalling to the group and the sky after profitable his singles match.
He additionally kissed his hand and touched the courtroom, later saying he was delighted to be again within the nation the place he has received 9 of his 21 grand slam trophies.
As for the occasions of 12 months in the past when he was locked up in a detention centre earlier than being deported?
“What you focus on, you become. If I focus on the negatives, that’s what I’ll attract, so I don’t want to do that. I don’t hold a grudge,” Djokovic stated.
“I am here to play tennis, to enjoy sports and spread good energy.
“To see the packed home for my first match was positively a really nice shock, and plenty of help, numerous love.
“Every experience and every day that I had so far my visit this year was positive.
“The people who I encountered on the seaside or in eating places or wherever I used to be form of roaming round … everyone was very welcoming.”
Djokovic’s arrival in Australia was much smoother this time around compared with last year.
“Well, I form of was joking round with my crew hoping that I can enter Australia this time, and that is what occurred,” he stated.
“It was actually, I might say, regular. As with some other yr coming into Australia besides the final yr, simple by way of the passport management, landed nicely.
“All was great. Got picked up by official transportation and got to the hotel and moved on with my day.”
Tuesday’s win units up a round-of-16 conflict with one other Frenchman, Quentin Halys, who defeated Australian Jordan Thompson in straight units on Monday.
Djokovic misplaced simply 5 factors on serve throughout the opening set in opposition to Lestienne, however did have to avoid wasting a break level within the fifth recreation.
The 35-year-old took the opening set in 38 minutes, and raced to a 4-0 lead within the second as Lestienne’s frustrations began to boil over.
The Frenchman slammed his racquet into the courtroom after shedding a internet battle in opposition to Djokovic, and his physique language worsened the longer the match went on.
