Three break points to erase in the first set, a sluggish start to the second set and a free-rolling end to the match… Novak Djokovic did not have to overplay to dismiss the Spaniard Carballes Baena, 75th at ATP (6 -3, 6-4, 6-0) in the first round. A good trial run for the Serb, his left thigh still strapped because of muscle discomfort that seems to have been bothering him for a few days.
“It’s always special to play here, slips the world No. 5, who signed his 35th consecutive victory on Australian soil and received a warm welcome from the Rod Laver Arena for his return after a year of “covidesque” penance. I’m so happy to find this court again… If I had to choose ideal playing conditions, it would be at night on this Rod Laver court, without the slightest hesitation. I had some ups and downs in the second set but I’m very happy with the way I played, especially in the third. I didn’t give him a chance. »
In effect. The Belgradois, who is aiming for a 10th Australian crown, a 22nd Grand Slam and a return to world number one in Melbourne, scored 28 of the last 32 points of the match! History to shorten the night, when it was already almost one o’clock in the morning in Melbourne.
In the next round, Djokovic will face the French Enzo Couacaud or the Bolivian Hugo Dellien. The two men, who do not have the honors of a large covered arena, saw their match postponed because of the rain which watered the capital of the State of Victoria at the end of the afternoon… a few hours later a long interruption of meetings due to extreme heat.