Novak Djokovic, the 21-time Grand Slam champion, shone in the first round of the Australian Open. He, who returned to the competition after being banned from Australia last year, easily defeated Spain’s, Roberto Carballes Baena.
Novak Djokovic dominated from the start and emerged victorious with a 6-3, 6-4, 6-0 scoreline in front of a raucous Rod Laver Arena crowd.
Djokovic got off to a shaky start, having to save three break points in the fifth game. However, the nine-time Melbourne Park champion found his stride and broke in the next game to take a 4-2 lead and soon close off the set.
A minor hamstring problem in the second set appeared to give some trouble for the Serbian, but he persevered and broke the Spaniard for a 4-3 lead.
The last set was too much for Baena, who succumbed as Djokic blitzed past him, winning six games in a row.
“Thank you for giving me such a welcoming reception that I could only dream of. “I feel really happy that I’m back here in Australia and on the court where I have had the biggest success in my career,” said Djokovic after the match.
Djokovic stated prior to his match that he would not be here if he had not moved on
Despite the fact that the incident from the previous year is still fresh in his mind, Djokovic appears to have moved on. Djokovic stated prior to his match that he would not be here if he had not moved on.
Djokovic entered the competition fresh off a great performance at the Adelaide International, where he won his 92nd career championship.
“In a way, if I do hold grudges, probably if I’m not able to move on, I wouldn’t be here. Also, I have to say that the number of positive experiences I had in Australia overwhelmed the negative experience maybe of last year.”
Djokovic is determined to equal the amount of Grand Slams won by his compatriot Rafael Nadal. Last year, Nadal won the Australian and French Opens, bringing his total to 22, while Djokovic could only win Wimbledon, keeping his total at 21.