Australian Open 2023 Melbourne Park Day 2 17/01/2023 Novak Djokovic (SRB) first round match Photo Roger Parker International Sports Fotos Ltd
Novak Djokovic showed little nerves on his return to Melbourne on Tuesday evening, as he was cheered to a 6-3, 6-4, 6-0 victory over 75th-ranked Roberto Carballes Baena.
Dozens of Serbian flags fluttered around Rod Laver Arena, as Djokovic went about his business with consummate ease.
As he stepped on to court a quick wave of his left hand greeted the crowd, but then it was down to business.
And despite a left hamstring niggle, he was never really troubled.
“I was really hoping to get a good reception and this was more than I hoped for, more than I dreamed of,” Djokovic said.
“After all that happened in the last 12 months people were super nice to me, especially the Serbian community, incredible support, I am very grateful and very happy. To play in that kind of atmosphere helps a lot with the tennis.
“I was really looking forward to the match. I was a bit more nervous before the Kyrgios match a few days ago as that was the first time on Rod Laver Arena in front of a full house.”
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