Novak Djokovic nonetheless has loads of love for the nation that deported him, saying he obtained the reception he wished for in his triumphant return to singles motion in Australia.
Djokovic booked a spot within the second spherical of the Adelaide International 1 with a thumping 6-3 6-2 win over Frenchman Constant Lestienne on Tuesday.
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 out on court docket on Tuesday, and he didn’t disappoint his adoring followers.
Djokovic’s energy, court docket pace, and deft work on the internet proved an excessive amount of to deal with 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 gang and the sky upon profitable his singles match.
He additionally kissed his hand and touched the court docket, later saying he was delighted to be again within the nation the place he’s received 9 of his 21 grand slam trophies.
“I’m glad to be back in Australia,” Djokovic stated in his post-match on-court interview.
“Thank you all for coming out today. Thank you for giving me the welcome that I could only wish for.
“Over the years, Australia has been the place where I’ve played my best tennis, without a doubt.
“If I have to pick one country where I’ve had the most success, which treated me in the best way in terms of tennis, it’s here, definitely.
“Even the circumstances last year, it wasn’t easy for anybody. But I’m just happy to be here focusing on tennis, and enjoying my time with you guys.”
The consequence units up a spherical of 16 conflict with Frenchman Quentin Halys, who defeated Australian Jordan Thompson in straight units on Monday.
Djokovic misplaced simply 5 factors on serve through the opening set, however did have to save lots of 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 racket into the court docket after shedding a internet battle towards Djokovic, and his physique language slumped the longer the match went on.
“For the first match, I can’t complain,” Djokovic stated.
“I performed very nicely. I believed the primary six video games had been very aggressive.
“But as soon as I made that break, I felt like I stepped it up one or two ranges and performed actually good tennis.
