Novak Djokovic makes winning singles return to Australia with first-round victory over Constant Lestienne at Adelaide Open

Novak Djokovic nonetheless has loads of love for the nation that deported him, saying he obtained the reception he wished for in his triumphant return to singles motion in Australia.

Djokovic booked a spot within the second spherical of the Adelaide Worldwide 1 with a thumping 6-3 6-2 win over Frenchman Fixed Lestienne on Tuesday.

It was his first singles match in Australia since being deported final January after he was discovered to not meet Australia’s COVID-19 vaccination necessities at the time.

The 21-time grand slam champion obtained a rousing reception when he stepped out on court docket on Tuesday, and he did not disappoint his adoring followers.

Djokovic’s energy, court docket pace, and deft work on the web proved an excessive amount of to deal with for Lestienne, with the match lasting simply 74 minutes.

The world quantity 5, who misplaced his low-key doubles match on Monday, repeatedly touched his coronary heart earlier than signalling to the group and the sky upon successful his singles match.

He additionally kissed his hand and touched the court docket, later saying he was delighted to be again within the nation the place he is gained 9 of his 21 grand slam trophies.

“I am glad to be again in Australia,” Djokovic mentioned in his post-match on-court interview.

“Through the years, Australia has been the place the place I’ve performed my finest tennis, unquestionably.

“If I’ve to choose one nation the place I’ve had probably the most success, which handled me in one of the simplest ways when it comes to tennis, it is right here, positively.

“Even the circumstances final yr, it wasn’t simple for anyone. However I am simply glad to be right here specializing in tennis, and having fun with my time with you guys.”

The end result units up a spherical of 16 conflict with Frenchman Quentin Halys, who defeated Australian Jordan Thompson in straight units on Monday.

Djokovic misplaced simply 5 factors on serve throughout the opening set, however did have to avoid wasting a break level within the fifth sport.

Earlier, Daniil Medvedev has obtained off to a successful begin on the Adelaide Worldwide, but it surely was removed from a straightforward match and ended early as a result of retirement of Italy’s Lorenzo Sonego.

Medvedev was main 7-6 (8/6), 2-1 when Sonego was compelled to retire with an arm harm.

Sonego got here out in aggressive temper, going for it on huge groundstrokes, operating passing photographs and courageous dropshots.

The 2021 US Open champion Medvedev gave the impression to be discovering his toes within the first set, attempting to attend out his opponent within the hope of errors.

After being taken to eight deuces earlier than holding serve for 5-5, Medvedev went 0-40 down within the twelfth sport as Sonego continued to provide him the run round.

The Russian saved all three set factors, earlier than occurring to drive a tie-break at 6-6.

The breaker went on serve till the thirteenth level, the place the Italian was serving at 6-6. Medvedev made a uncommon assault, coming to the online and ending a fierce backhand volley to snare the mini-break.

Serving for the set, his second serve appeared very near going lengthy, however was referred to as in. Medvedev gained the purpose earlier than unleashing a huge downward fist pump in celebration or aid taking the primary set in 80 minutes.

Sonego was pissed off, after hitting 21 winners to simply 10 for Medvedev within the first set.

The Italian did not let the frustration get to him — he got here out and broke Medvedev within the opening sport of the second set, however the quantity three seed then grabbed the break again instantly, earlier than holding for 2-1.

All of a sudden, three factors into the fourth sport, Sonego was compelled to retire with an arm harm.

“What a match to start out the yr,” Medvedev advised Channel 9 on court docket afterwards.

“Unlucky for everyone that it completed early, even when we performed one hour forty, however I am glad to be by way of … I want Lorenzo a speedy restoration.”

Kokkinakis continues successful run in Adelaide

There is not any place like dwelling for Thanasi Kokkinakis, who put one other notch in his Adelaide belt with a first-round win over world quantity 34 Maxime Cressy on Monday night time.

A winner and semifinalist within the two back-to-back occasions right here final yr, the Adelaide native once more relished the chance to play in entrance of an appreciative viewers, registering a 7-6 (7/5), 7-6 (9/7) victory over the towering American.

Kokkinakis fought again from a break down and a set level within the second set to safe a formidable win which he closed out with an ace.

“However eternally the Adelaide week will likely be my prime second for positive.

“I am hoping to simply strive my arse off each match.”

After an injury-ravaged six years, Kokkinakis used his hometown run as one thing of a springboard to rejuvenate his stuttering profession.

Whereas he did not fairly hit the dizzy heights of one other match win in 2022, he did develop into ensconced within the prime 100.

And with some 340 factors to defend throughout the 2 weeks of competitors in Adelaide, he’ll have to be at his finest or danger slipping effectively down the rankings ladder.