Novak Djokovic loses on return to Australia at Adelaide International but gets warm reception from fans

Novak Djokovic lost his first match in Australia after succumbing to a doubles defeat alongside partner Vasek Pospisil at the Adelaide International.

Djokovic and Pospisil lost 4-6 6-3 10-5 to the unseeded pairing of Tomislav Brkic and Gonzalo Escobar in front of the largest-ever crowd for Showcourt 1, which gave a rapturous welcome to the nine-time Australian Open champion.

It was a superb display from Brkic and Escobar, who saved six out of the seven break points they faced to wrap up the match in one hour and 29 minutes.

There were a few high points for Djokovic and Pospisil, which included a superb display of volleying in the second set, but ultimately they did not recover after trailing early on in the match tie-break.

While events on the court did not go to plan, Djokovic would have appreciated his welcome back to Australia, after receiving a very warm reception from the fans in Adelaide.

Chants of “Novak, Novak” were clearly audible, and the Serb happily posed for photographs and signed autographs after the loss.

Speaking at the World Tennis League in Dubai, he said: “I always ask the best from myself so let’s see.

“Over the years I’ve been really fortunate to start very strong in Australia and I love playing there.

“After obviously what happened earlier this year [2022], hopefully I can have a decent reception there and hopefully that can help me play some good tennis.”

The 35-year-old was deported before the start of the 2022 Australian Open due to his Covid-19 vaccination status, before subsequently being handed a three-year travel ban from the country.

However, that decision was subsequently overturned last month to allow Djokovic to compete in Australia.

“You can’t forget those events, it’s one of those things that sticks with you,” Djokovic told reporters in his first news conference since returning to Australia.

“It stays with you for the rest of your life. It’s something I’ve never experienced before and hopefully never again, but it is a valuable life experience for me.

“I have to move on, and coming back to Australia speaks about how I feel about this country and how I feel about playing here.”

Following his doubles exit, the 35-year-old will now turn his attention to his singles campaign at the tournament, which begins against France’s Constant Lestienne on Tuesday.

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