Novak Djokovic nonetheless has loads of love for the nation that deported him, saying he holds no grudges in opposition to Australia after being welcomed again with open arms.
Djokovic booked a spot within the second spherical of the Adelaide Worldwide 1 on Tuesday with a thumping 6-Three 6-2 win over Frenchman Fixed Lestienne.
It was his first singles match in Australia since being deported final January for refusing to have the COVID-19 vaccine.
The 21-time grand slam champion acquired a rousing reception when he stepped on courtroom on Tuesday, and he didn’t disappoint his adoring followers.
Djokovic’s energy, courtroom velocity and deft work on the web proved an excessive amount of for Lestienne, with the match lasting simply 74 minutes.
The world No.5, who misplaced his low-key doubles match on Monday, repeatedly touched his coronary heart earlier than signaling to the group and the sky after profitable his singles match.
He additionally kissed his hand and touched the courtroom, later saying he was delighted to be again within the nation the place he has gained 9 of his 21 grand slam trophies.
As for the occasions of 12 months in the past when he was locked up in a detention heart earlier than being deported?
“What you deal with, you turn out to be. If I deal with the negatives, that is what I will appeal to, so I do not wish to try this. I do not maintain a grudge,” Djokovic mentioned.
“I’m right here to play tennis, to take pleasure in sports activities and unfold good vitality.
“To see the packed home for my first match was positively a really nice shock, and plenty of help, numerous love.
“Each expertise and each day that I had thus far throughout my go to this 12 months was optimistic.
“The folks that I encountered on the seaside or in eating places or wherever I used to be sort of roaming round… everyone was very welcoming.”
Djokovic’s arrival in Australia was a lot smoother this time round in comparison with final 12 months.
“Properly, I sort of was joking round with my crew hoping that I can enter Australia this time, and that is what occurred,” he mentioned.
“It was actually, I’d say, regular. As with all different 12 months coming into Australia besides the final 12 months, straightforward via the passport management, landed nicely.
“Every thing was nice. Obtained picked up by official transportation and received to the resort and moved on with my day.”
Tuesday’s win units up a round-of-16 conflict with one other Frenchman, Quentin Halys, who defeated Australian Jordan Thompson in straight units on Monday.
Djokovic misplaced simply 5 factors on serve through the opening set in opposition to Lestienne, however did have to save lots of a break level within the fifth recreation.
The 35-year-old took the opening set in 38 minutes, and raced to a 4-Zero lead within the second as Lestienne’s frustrations began to boil over.
The Frenchman slammed his racquet into the courtroom after shedding a web battle in opposition to Djokovic, and his physique language worsened the longer the match went on.
