Novak Djokovic is a nine-time Australian Open champion, standing as a dominant figure at the season’s first Major. Novak’s first Major crown came in Melbourne in 2008, and he has been a player to beat there since 2011.
Novak claimed his ninth Australian Open crown in 2021 over Dominic Thiem, wishing for more in the season behind us. As we all know, Novak could not play in Australia in 2022, facing a ten-day visa saga and leaving the continent.
Djokovic risked staying away from Australia for three years, but everything ended nicely for him. The Serb got a green light to land in Australia, entering Adelaide ahead of the season’s first Major. Novak is thrilled to play Down under again, leaving the last year’s saga behind and setting his eyes on good performances and results in the upcoming weeks.
Novak wrapped up the 2022 season with the ATP Finals crown, feeling hungry for more at the start of the new campaign. Djokovic is playing in Adelaide at the beginning of 2023, seeking the first title at this event since 2007, when he was 19.
Novak faced the Frenchman Constant Lestienne in the first round and scored a 6-3, 6-2 win in an hour and 15 minutes. Djokovic served well and faced one break point at 2-2 in the opener. The Serb denied it and took charge from the next game to sail over the top.
Novak grabbed three breaks from eight opportunities to move into the next round.
Novak Djokovic is hungry for more good results in Australia.
Lestienne missed his chances in the sixth game and played a loose forehand to fall 4-2 behind.
Djokovic cemented the lead with a forehand down the line winner in game seven and landed a service winner at 5-3 to clinch the opener in 38 minutes. The Serb seized the third break chance at the start of the second set with a forehand down the line winner.
Novak converted the third break chance at 2-0 to extend the lead and move closer to the finish line. Lestienne served well in games five and seven to avoid a bagel and prolong the match. The Serb sealed the deal at 5-2 with a service winner that sent him into the second round.
“The last year is already behind me, and I’m ready for a fresh start in Australia. I have always played well here, and I came early to prepare for the first tournament. I do not recall when I came that early to Australia, so I had plenty of time to adjust to the time zone and adapt to whatever awaits me.
As I said, people have been very kind and generous with my team and me. Overall, it has been a great experience so far,” Novak Djokovic said.
