World No. 5 Novak Djokovic cruised past world No. 75 Roberto Carballes Baena in straight sets in the first round to mark a winning return to the Australian Open after last year’s debacle.
The Serb breezed past the Spaniard 6-3, 6-4, 6-0 to secure a berth in the second round in front of a large crowd of admirers at the Rod Laver Arena in Melbourne.
The nine-time Australian Open winner was not among the participants in Melbourne in 2022 after he was deported by the Australian government for his refusal to get vaccinated against COVID-19.
However, he overcame a lingering left leg injury he sustained at the Adelaide International earlier this month, to extend his winning streak at the Australian Open to 35 matches, a run that dates back to 2018.
Dominant Down Under 💪 @DjokerNole pic.twitter.com/Ld6THkbX31
— #AusOpen (@AustralianOpen) January 17, 2023
Djokovic, who has won 64 consecutive Round 1 matches at major slams, thanked the fans for their warm welcome and expressed his happiness at being back in the country and in the first major of the year.
“Unbelievable atmosphere, thank you for giving me such welcoming reception I could only dream of. I really feel very happy that I’m back in Australia and back here on the court where I had the biggest success in my career,” he said.
“Definitely this court is the most special court in my life, and I couldn’t ask for a better start to the tournament. So, thank you for your support; I appreciate it. Thank you very much,” the 35-year-old Serbian concluded.
“Definitely this court is the most special court in my life.” 🫶
🇷🇸 @DjokerNole thanks the fans at Rod Laver Arena.
#AusOpen • #AO2023 pic.twitter.com/9xLab831gB
— #AusOpen (@AustralianOpen) January 17, 2023
The 21-time Grand Slam winner will continue the quest for his 10th Australian Open title and the 22nd major slam of his illustrious career when he faces the winner of the clash between Bolivia’s Enzo Couacaud and France’s Hugo Dellien in the next round.
