Dazzling Djokovic returns to Australian Open in style to oust Roberto Carballes Baena in straight sets

Novak Djokovic marked his return to the Australian Open with a dominant display to see off Roberto Carballes Baena in straight sets.

The 21-time Grand Slam winner famously missed last year’s tournament following his deportation over his vaccination status but was back with a bang, coming through 6-3 6-4 6-0.

After the long wait to see Djokovic back in competitive action in the Australian city, the nine-time Melbourne champion made a powerful return, slamming an ace down the T past Carballes Baena with the first point of the game.

After recent hamstring issues, Djokovic arrived on Rod Laver Arena with heavy strapping on his left leg and Carballes Baena tried to move his opponent around the court as much as possible and in doing so, earned himself three break-points on the Djokovic serve.

The Serbian never looked flustered, though, and saved the points to hold serve, before going on to secure the first break of the match in the next game.

The duo served up frequent long rallies in the first set, with both deploying explosive forehand shots, but Djokovic’s power proved too much for Carballes Baena. 12 points in a row took him 5-2 up in the set and, despite his opponent holding his next serve, Djokovic proceeded to take the first by serving a set to love.

At the start of the second set, Carballes Baena held serve and the impressive Spaniard continued to put all of his energy into every single point. However, he was up against a relentless opponent in Djokovic, who was refusing to give him the slightest glimmer of hope of gaining any kind of advantage.

Any fears in the Djokovic camp over his fitness were being averted with both players mixing up their game – leaving them flying from side-to-side and front-to-back of the court.

The pair continued to exchange hugely entertaining rallies and, with the scores level at 3-3 in the second, Djokovic came out on top after they traded 28 breathtaking shots.

This may well have affected Carballes Baena, because despite him serving up two aces straight after this, Djokovic proceeded to make the first break of the second set. Play then stayed with serve and the Serbian took a two set lead.

Coming out for the third, Djokovic shifted through the gears at a rapid rate, breaking Carballes Baena immediately and moving into a 3-0 lead within twelve minutes.

His class was epitomised by the way in which he broke his opponent for the second time in the set by using his power to force the Spaniard to the back of the court before drifting towards the net and meeting the return with the most delicate of volleys to move him to within touching distance of round two.

With the time approaching 1am, Djokovic was majestic as he served out to secure his progress in Melbourne, conceding just four points in a final set which lasted just 24 minutes.

Carballes Baena fought valiantly, but a flawless performance from Djokovic has sent him on his way towards a tenth title at the Australian Open.

Speaking on court after the match, Djokovic was asked why he performs so well in the country.

He said, “The more you win on a certain court, the more comfortable and confident you feel every next time you step on it. If I have to choose one court and conditions it would be night session on the Rod Laver Arena all night long.”

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