Novak Djokovic cruised via his first singles fit in Australia since being deported ultimate 12 months with a 6-3 6-2 victory over Constant Lestienne on the Adelaide International 1 on Tuesday. The 35-year-old Serb used to be deported at the eve of the 2022 Australian Open for now not being vaccinated in opposition to COVID-19 and won a three-year go back and forth ban for the rustic, which used to be waived in November.
After being neatly won through lovers all over a unprecedented doubles look on Monday, Djokovic started his arrangements for the Jan. 16-29 Australian Open in opposition to international quantity 65 Lestienne through racing during the opening set. The 21-time Grand Slam champion became up the warmth on his French opponent with a double wreck to head 4-0 up in the second one set sooner than Lestienne were given at the board, however Djokovic closed out the fit in taste as supporters chanted his title.
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“I have to say, I’m glad to be back in Australia, thank you all for coming out,” Djokovic stated on courtroom. “Thank you for giving me the welcome I could only wish for.
“… If I’ve to select one nation the place I’ve had essentially the most good fortune, which handled me in one of the simplest ways in the case of 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 fits.
“Australia has been the place where I play my best tennis and I look forward to coming here. The circumstances last year were as they were and it wasn’t easy for anyone but I’m happy to be here, focus on tennis and enjoy my time with you guys.”
Up subsequent for international quantity 5 Djokovic is every other Frenchman in Quentin Halys, who beat Australian Jordan Thompson 6-3 6-4.
Former US Open champion Daniil Medvedev additionally complicated to the second one spherical of the ATP 250 event when Lorenzo Sonego retired with a proper arm harm whilst trailing 7-6(6) 2-1.
Medvedev, who misplaced to Rafa Nadal in ultimate 12 months’s Melbourne Park last, stored 9 set issues to win the hole set.
“That’s actually crazy,” Medvedev stated. “Probably the first time in my life I’ve saved nine set points.
“What a fit to start out the 12 months. Unfortunate for everyone that it completed early in some way, even supposing we performed one hour and 40 mins, however satisfied to be via.” Medvedev performs Serbian Miomir Kecmanovic for a quarter-final spot.