Djokovic storms into the second round on Australian Open return | Tennis News

MELBOURNE: Tuesday, Novak Djokovic defeated Roberto Carballes Baena of Spain to begin his quest for a tenth Australian Open title. The Serb received a warm reception following his deportation a year ago. The 35-year-old, who missed last year’s tournament due to a hamstring injury, didn’t show much of it as he raced to a 6-3, 6-4, 6-0 victory on Rod Laver Arena.

 

There were concerns about how he might be received by fans in Melbourne after he was unable to play the previous year due to his stance regarding the Covid vaccination. During the pandemic’s height, the city was subjected to numerous prolonged lockdowns.
However, just like in Adelaide, the fourth seed entered the stadium to raucous “Nole” chants and cheers, with Serbian flags everywhere.

 

Djokovic, who is vying for a record-breaking 22nd major title, said, “Thank you for giving me such a welcoming reception that I could only dream of.” Being back in Australia and playing on the court where I have had the most success in my career makes me very happy.
“I couldn’t have asked for a better start to the tournament, and this court is definitely the most special court in my life.”

 

After concluding 2022 by winning a second ATP Finals title and then winning the Adelaide International, he arrived at Melbourne Park in blistering form. Carballes Baena ranked 75th, was already intimidated by that, but Djokovic came into the match having won his previous 21 matches at the Australian Open.

He started with an ace, but in the fifth game, he had to save three break points in order to win. However, he quickly settled in, winning the following game to love to take a 4-2 lead and win the set. When he slid for a shot at 2-2 in the following set, it appeared that his hamstring was bothering him, but he persevered and broke again for 4-3 when Carballes Baena hit a forehand.

As Melbourne’s clock struck midnight, Djokovic upped the ante and broke the Spaniard right away in the third set. The former world number one then stormed to victory. “My performance in the third set was very, very good. He stated, “I didn’t give him much time to breathe from the back of the court.”

“I served admirably. He deserves credit for fighting in the second set, which was up and down.
Long-time rival Rafael Nadal won the title last year in Djokovic’s absence to claim his 21st Grand Slam, which he extended to 22 at the French Open.

Djokovic has now won 21 tournaments, and he has made it clear that he wants more. He won Wimbledon.
The prospect of becoming just the third person in history to win at least ten titles at a single Grand Slam provides additional motivation.
Margaret Court, who won 11 Australian Open singles titles, and Nadal, who won 14 at Roland Garros, have more.