Novak Djokovic cruised through his first singles match in Australia, since being deported last year, with a 6-3, 6-2 victory over Constant Lestienne at the Adelaide International 1 on Tuesday.
The 35-year-old Serb was deported on the eve of the 2022 Australian Open for not being vaccinated against Covid-19 and received a threeyear travel ban for the country, which was waived in November.
After being well received by fans during a rare doubles appearance on Monday, Djokovic began his preparations for the January 16-29 Australian Open against world No. 65 Lestienne by racing through the opening set.
“I have to say, I’m glad to be back in Australia, thank you all for coming out,” Djokovic said on court. “Thank you for giving me the welcome I could only wish for.
“... If I have to pick one country where I’ve had the most success, which treated me in the best way in terms of tennis, it’s here. I won my first grand slam here in 2008 and I have nine Australian Open titles – I’ve had some epic matches.”
Up next for world No.5 Djokovic is another Frenchman in Quentin Halys, who beat Australian Jordan Thompson 6-3, 6-4.
Former US Open champion Daniil Medvedev also advanced to the second round of the ATP 250 tournament when Lorenzo Sonego retired with a right arm injury while trailing 7-6 (8-6), 2-1.
Medvedev will take on Serbian Miomir Kecmanovic for a quarter-final spot. Roberto Bautista-Agut stunned fifth-seed Russian Andrey Rublev 4-6, 6-3 6-4 while sixth seed Jannik Sinner eased past Briton Kyle Edmund 6-3, 6-2. Denis Shapovalov overcame Australian Rinky Hijikata 2-6, 6-4, 6-3.
Azarenka advances
Former world No.1 Victoria Azarenka overcame a shaky start to beat Anhelina Kalinina 7-6 (11-9), 7-6 (7-5) in a gruelling match to reach the second round of the WTA 500 tournament.
Twice Australian Open champion Azarenka found herself in trouble trailing 1-5 but she saved five set points before edging a tense tie-breaker.
The Belarusian secured an early break in the second set, but surrendered the advantage before winning another tie-breaker against her Ukrainian opponent to wrap up victory on her fifth match point and set up a meeting with China’s Zheng Qinwen.
