Novak Djokovic gets another warm reception as he wins singles opener at Adelaide International

Novak Djokovic opened his singles campaign in 2023 with a comfortable 6-3 6-2 victory over France’s Constant Lestienne at the Adelaide International.

The 21-time Grand Slam champion is back in Australia for the first time since his visa debacle last year, when he was unceremoniously deported on the eve of the Australian Open.

The Djokovic saga grabbed headlines across the world in January 2021 after the Serb touched down for the opening Grand Slam of the year unvaccinated but with a medical exemption. His initial visa was cancelled, re-approved by a judge, then revoked again by Australian immigration minister Alex Hawke.

Djokovic wasted no time stamping his mark on the new season, cruising through his opening service game with a hold to love before cracking his opponent in the fifth game for the only break of the set.

He carried the momentum into the second, breaking twice at the start of the set, as he cruised into the second round.

“For the first match I can’t complain,” Djokovic said.

“I played very well. I thought the first six games were very competitive and I have never faced him before. He is a counterpuncher, he doesn’t make too many mistakes. He has a tricky serve, hits his spots.

“But once I made that break at 3-2 in the first set I thought I stepped it up and played really good tennis for the rest of the match.”

Djokovic will next face another Frenchman, Quentin Halys.

World No. 7 Daniil Medvedev also progressed after opponent Lorenzo Sonego retired.

The Russian, who could meet Djokovic in the semi-finals, saved nine set points in an extraordinary first set before pinching it on a tie-break, with Sonego stopping when 2-1 behind in the second.

– – –