Novak Djokovic swept to victory in his first singles match on Australian soil since being deported a year ago, crushing Frenchman Constant Lestienne at the Adelaide International on Tuesday to kick-start his bid for another Grand Slam title.
The Serbian superstar was given a warm welcome when he played a losing doubles clash on Monday and received similar treatment on a packed centre court.
He won comfortably 6-3, 6-2 in 74 minutes, breaking once in the first set and twice in the second.
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“For the first match I can’t complain, I played very well,” Djokovic said. “I thought the first probably six games were very competitive.
This year’s Australia Open serves off Monday 16 and ends Sunday January 29. Raphael Nadal clinched the Aussie Open title last year in the men’s category while Ashleigh Barty clinched the ladies single title after beating Danielle Collins 6-3 7-6.