Djokovic thanks crowd for ‘dream’ reception
Novak Djokovic thanked the crowd for a “welcoming reception he could only dream of” after he made the perfect return to the Australian Open with victory over Roberto Carballes Baena.
The Serb won 6-3 6-4 6-0 in his first Grand Slam match in Melbourne since his controversial deportation last year.
Djokovic, 35, walked out to loud cheers, with flags and banners displayed around Rod Laver Arena.
“I couldn’t ask for a better start to the tournament,” he said.
Chants of “Nole! Nole! Nole!” also rang around the 15,000 capacity arena after the fourth seed won crucial points in a one-sided first-round match against Spain’s Carballes Baena.
“Thank you for giving me such a welcoming reception that I could only dream of,” he told the packed crowd.
“I feel really happy that I’m back here in Australia and on the court where I have had the biggest success in my career.
“Definitely this court is the most special court in my life.”
Djokovic was unable to compete at last year’s event after the Australian government cancelled his visa because of his Covid-19 vaccination status.
He had already received plenty of support from fans on his return to Australia earlier in January.
He also praised the reaction he received from a sold-out Rod Laver Arena in an exhibition match with Nick Kyrgios earlier this week.
Djokovic shakes off hamstring concerns in clinical win
The Wimbledon champion is looking to make up for lost time as he pursues Rafael Nadal’s record of 22 Grand Slam titles, having also missed last year’s US Open because of the United States’ travel restrictions.
Once again receiving warm support from the crowd, Djokovic proceeded to expertly dismantle world number 75 Carballes Baena’s game in a little over two hours.
Djokovic has been managing a hamstring injury and took to the court with heavy strapping on his upper left leg.
But he did not appear limited by the problem and, sparking into action to save three break points in the fifth game of the match, went on to demonstrate his class on his favourite court in a near-perfect third set which saw him lose just four points in the final six games.
It extended his remarkable winning streak at the Australian Open to 35 matches – a run stretching back to 2018 – and the manner of the victory suggests he will be difficult to stop once again.
He will play Bolivian Hugo Dellien or French qualifier Enzo Couacaud next in the second round.