[ad_1]
IMAGE: Novak Djokovic with followers after successful his first spherical match towards France’s Fixed Lestienne on the Adelaide Worldwide in Adelaide on Tuesday. {Photograph}: Loren Elliott/Reuters
Novak Djokovic cruised via his first singles match in Australia since being deported final 12 months with a 6-3, 6-2 victory over Fixed Lestienne on the Adelaide Worldwide 1 on Tuesday.
The 35-year-old Serb was deported on the eve of the 2022 Australian Open for not being vaccinated towards COVID-19 and obtained a three-year journey ban for the nation, which was waived in November.
After being effectively obtained by followers throughout a uncommon doubles look on Monday, Djokovic started his preparations for the January 16-29 Australian Open towards world quantity 65 Lestienne by racing via the opening set.
IMAGE: Novak Djokovic was deported on the eve of the 2022 Australian Open for not being vaccinated towards COVID-19. {Photograph}: Mark Brake/Getty Pictures
The 21-times Grand Slam champion turned up the warmth on his French opponent with a double break to go 4-0 up within the second set earlier than Lestienne acquired on the board, however Djokovic closed out the match in type as supporters chanted his identify.
“I’ve to say, I am glad to be again in Australia, thanks all for popping out,” Djokovic stated on courtroom. “Thanks for giving me the welcome I may solely want for.
“… If I’ve to choose one nation the place I’ve had probably the most success, which handled me in the easiest way when it comes to tennis, it is right here. I received 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 the place I play my greatest tennis and I look ahead to coming right here. The circumstances final 12 months have been as they have been and it wasn’t straightforward for anyone however I am glad to be right here, concentrate on tennis and luxuriate in my time with you guys.”
Up subsequent for world quantity 5 Djokovic is one other Frenchman in Quentin Halys, who beat Australian Jordan Thompson 6-3, 6-4.
IMAGE: Daniil Medvedev saved 9 set factors to win the opening set towards Lorenzo Sonego. {Photograph}: Loren Elliott/Reuters
Former US Open champion Daniil Medvedev additionally superior to the second spherical of the ATP 250 match when Lorenzo Sonego retired with a proper arm damage whereas trailing 7-6(6), 2-1.
Medvedev, who misplaced to Rafael Nadal in final 12 months’s Melbourne Park closing, saved 9 set factors to win the opening set.
“That is really loopy,” Medvedev stated. “In all probability the primary time in my life I’ve saved 9 set factors.
“What a match to start out the 12 months. Unlucky for everyone that it completed early in a method, even when we performed one hour and 40 minutes, however glad to be via.”
Medvedev performs Serbian Miomir Kecmanovic for a quarter-final spot.
[ad_2]
Source link
