Novak Djokovic wins in his first match since Australia deportation
Novak Djokovic made a successful return to the tour for the first time since his deportation from Australia, kicking off his 2022 campaign with a 6-3, 6-3 victory over Italian teenager Lorenzo Musetti in Dubai on Monday.
"I couldn't ask for a better reception."๐@DjokerNole | @DDFTennis | #DDFTennis pic.twitter.com/C7FY0bvdum
— ATP Tour (@atptour) February 21, 2022
The Serbian world No 1 was greeted by loud cheers from a packed Dubai Duty Free Tennis Stadium as he commenced his quest for a sixth title in the Emirates in style.
“I couldn’t ask for a better reception. It’s been a while since I played the last match, I couldn’t pick a better place to kick-start the season,” said Djokovic.
Quite the reception for Novak Djokovic in Dubai pic.twitter.com/xvSeTwuMj0
— Molly McElwee (@molly_mcelwee) February 21, 2022
“Best possible experience tonight, thanks very much for your support and welcoming me on court the way you did,” added Djokovic on court as ‘Nole, Nole’ chants rang throughout the arena.
“All in all it’s a straight-sets win. I have to be satisfied with my tennis, especially after not playing for almost three months.”
Rain, serves and lots of hard work! A look back at the last 30 years with Novak Djokovic. ๐@DjokerNole #DDFTennis #ATPTour @atptour pic.twitter.com/MaTjrAiqog
— Dubai Tennis Champs (@DDFTennis) February 21, 2022
The 34-year-old’s hopes of winning a 10th Australian Open, and 21st Grand Slam, in Melbourne last month were shattered when he had his visa cancelled and was deported for not being vaccinated against Covid-19.
Djokovic can play in Dubai as a coronavirus vaccine is not a requirement to enter the United Arab Emirates.
Earlier on Centre Court, former world No 1 Andy Murray battled for nearly three hours against Australian qualifier Christopher O’Connell before advancing to the second round with a 6-7(4/7), 6-3, 7-5 victory.
Another day, another grind ๐ค@andy_murray outlasts O'Connell in just short of 3 hours 6-7 6-3 7-5 to reach the second round of @DDFTennis! pic.twitter.com/gTv8COOqeH
— Tennis TV (@TennisTV) February 21, 2022
Murray is now just one win shy of his goal of reaching 700 career match-wins and could check that item off his bucket list if he comes out victorious in his next clash in Dubai.