Novak Djokovic lost the first two points on his return to the tennis circuit following his deportation from Australia.
But the world No.1 then won many more than he lost as he emerged victorious in his first match of 2022.
Djokovic, whose last match was in the Davis Cup finals in early December 2021, was facing Italian teenager Lorenzo Musetti in the first round of the Dubai Championships.
On the only previous occasion the pair met, at Roland Garros last year, Musetti took a two-set lead with successive tie-break successes. Djokovic then won 16 of the next 17 games before an exhausted Musetti retired at 0-4 in the final set.
The 19-year-old wildcard went for his shots again, showing no fear as he went toe-to-toe with the Serbian champion.
But Djokovic was too good winning 6-3 6-3 in 73 minutes.
Djokovic said he was a little rusty at times, but ‘that is to be expected’, and he ‘very much enjoyed’ being in front of a crowd again.
(Photo by Burak Akbulut/Anadolu Agency via Getty Images)
He added: “I couldn’t ask for a better reception. I couldn’t pick a better place to kick-start the season. All in all it was a very pleasant experience for me.”
The Serb, wearing a green-and-white combo, had been cheered onto court and had plenty of support under the lights with some spectators waving flags bearing his likeness and the slogan ‘Stand with Novak’.
The five-time former winner had no problems getting into the emirate despite being the only player in the men’s top 100 unvaccinated against Covid-19. The jab is not needed for visitors to Dubai.
He was deported from Australia on January 16 on ‘health and good order grounds’ after a protracted legal battle with Scott Morrison’s government.
Djokovic said at the weekend he felt ‘as well-prepared as I possibly can be’ and so it proved as he took the first set in 36 minutes.
The second was marginally more competitive with Musetti forcing several break-points. But Djokovic always stepped it up to hold.
Musetti, ranked 58 in the world, is regarded as an emerging talent, part of an Italian wave making a growing impact on tour. He had played well, but Djokovic played like he had barely been away.
© AAP
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