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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.
Key factors:
- Daniil Medvedev had to work arduous earlier than Lorenzo Sonego’s retirement put him by means of on the Adelaide Worldwide
- Day three will see the primary Australian look of the summer time for Novak Djokovic
- On Monday evening, Australia’s Thanasi Kokkinakis started the defence of his Adelaide title with a win over Maxime Cressy
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 profitable 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 received 9 of his 21 grand slam trophies.
“I am glad to be again in Australia,” Djokovic stated in his post-match on-court interview.
“Thanks all for popping out as we speak. Thanks for giving me the welcome that I may solely want for.
“Over time, Australia has been the place the place I’ve performed my finest tennis, indisputably.
“If I’ve to select 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, undoubtedly.
“Even the circumstances final 12 months, it wasn’t straightforward for anyone. However I am simply completely happy to be right here specializing in tennis, and having fun with my time with you guys.”
The consequence 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 through the opening set, however did have to avoid wasting a break level within the fifth recreation.
Earlier, Daniil Medvedev has acquired off to a profitable begin on the Adelaide Worldwide, but it surely was removed from a simple match and ended early because of the retirement of Italy’s Lorenzo Sonego.
Medvedev was main 7-6 (8/6), 2-1 when Sonego was compelled to retire with an arm damage.
Sonego got here out in aggressive temper, going for it on large groundstrokes, working passing photographs and courageous dropshots.
The 2021 US Open champion Medvedev seemed to be discovering his ft within the first set, making an attempt 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 recreation as Sonego continued to provide him the run round.
The Russian saved all three set factors, earlier than happening to power 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 web and ending a fierce backhand volley to snare the mini-break.
Serving for the set, his second serve seemed very near going lengthy, however was known as in. Medvedev received the purpose earlier than unleashing a large downward fist pump in celebration or reduction 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 recreation of the second set, however the quantity three seed then grabbed the break again instantly, earlier than holding for 2-1.
Abruptly, three factors into the fourth recreation, Sonego was compelled to retire with an arm damage.
“What a match to begin the 12 months,” Medvedev instructed Channel 9 on court docket afterwards.
“Unlucky for everyone that it completed early, even when we performed one hour forty, however I am completely happy to be by means of … I want Lorenzo a speedy restoration.”
Kokkinakis continues profitable run in Adelaide
There is no place like house 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 evening.
A winner and semifinalist within the two back-to-back occasions right here final 12 months, 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.
“I had an unimaginable summer time right here final 12 months beginning off in Adelaide and with the (Australian Open) doubles (win) as a cherry on prime,” he stated.
“However endlessly the Adelaide week might be my prime second for certain.
“I am hoping to simply attempt 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 event win in 2022, he did turn out to be ensconced within the prime 100.
And with some 340 factors to defend throughout the 2 weeks of competitors in Adelaide, he’ll must be at his finest or threat slipping properly down the rankings ladder.
However Monday evening was nearly as good a begin as he may hope for. He overcame a knee drawback within the first set, admitting afterwards he wanted to take some painkillers.
But he did not face a break level within the opener and rode the group in addition to his monster forehand when wanted to bounce again within the second.
Serve-volleyer Cressy had been one of many shock packets of the 2022 Australian summer time, going from exterior the highest 100 to succeed in the ultimate of the ATP occasion in Melbourne as a qualifier earlier than making the final 16 on the Australian Open.
Issues get no simpler for Kokkinakis in Adelaide nevertheless, with a vastly improved subject from final 12 months which means there’s each probability he’ll meet world quantity 15, Jannik Sinner, within the second spherical.
ABC/AAP
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