Novak Djokovic made a shedding return to Australia however acquired an enthusiastic welcome from fans on the Adelaide International.
Twelve months after he was deported as a threat to public well being due to his refusal to obtain the Covid-19 vaccine, Djokovic has returned to the nation following the choice to overturn his visa ban.
His first match was a low-key doubles encounter alongside shut pal Vasek Pospisil, which the pair misplaced 4-6 6-3 (10-5) to Bosnian Tomislav Brkic and Ecuador’s Gonzalo Escobar.
But any fears Djokovic might have had about how he can be acquired by the general public had been swiftly allayed as his supporters flocked to Memorial Drive to welcome him again.
Djokovic begins his singles marketing campaign on Tuesday in opposition to Frenchman Constant Lestienne as he builds up to the Australian Open, the place he’s in search of a record-extending tenth title.
There had been two shocks in singles motion on Monday, with second seed Felix Auger-Aliassime shedding 6-4 7-6 (5) to Australian Alexei Popyrin whereas fifth seed Holger Rune was crushed 2-6 6-4 6-4 by Japan’s Yoshihito Nishioka.
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