Serbian tennis player Novak Djokovic celebrates after winning his first-round match against France’s Constant Lestienne at the ATP Adelaide International tournament in Adelaide on January 3, 2023.
| Photo Credit: AFP
Novak Djokovic swept to victory in his first singles match on Australian soil since being deported a year ago, crushing Constant Lestienne at the Adelaide International Tuesday to kick-start his bid for another Grand Slam title.
The Serbian superstar was given a warm welcome when he played losing doubles clash on Monday and received similar treatment on a packed centre court.
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He beat the Frenchman comfortably 6-3, 6-2 in 74 minutes, breaking once in the first set and twice in the second.
“For the first match I can’t complain, I played very well,” Djokovic said.
“Thank you all for coming out today. Thank you for giving me the welcome that I could only wish for.
“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.”
It was his first singles clash in the country after being kicked out before the 2022 Australian Open for not being vaccinated for Covid-19. Djokovic was subsequently barred from re-entering for three years.
The ban was lifted in November, allowing him a chance to win an unprecedented 10th Australian Open crown at Melbourne Park later this month.
Daniil Medvedev, who lost to Djokovic in the 2021 Australian Open final, also tasted victory, saving an incredible nine set points on his way to a 7-6 (8/6), 2-1 win over Italian Lorenzo Sonego who retired hurt.
Jannik Sinner, Denis Shapovalov and Victoria Azarenka were among other winners.
Fourth seed Andrey Rublev was cruising, up a set and 3-1 against Roberto Bautista Agut when the Spaniard began to turn the tables, emerging with a 4-6, 6-3, 6-4 victory.
Rublev’s game fell apart as his opponent earned his 19th career win over a Top 10 player.
“I’m really happy with how I played,” the winner said. “Andrey is a very tough opponent, it’s tough to beat him on this kind of court.
“I played aggressive and didn’t give up. and was able to turn it around.”
There was disappointment for Andy Murray 17 years after his only previous Adelaide appearance.
The three-time Grand Slam winner failed to fire in a 7-6 (7/3), 6-3 defeat by American Sebastian, who earned a second victory over the veteran.
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