shot-button
Olympic 2024 Olympic 2024
Home > Sports News > Other Sports News > Article > Novak Djokovic receives warm welcome on Oz return

Novak Djokovic receives warm welcome on Oz return

Updated on: 03 January,2023 08:08 AM IST  |  Adelaide
AFP |

Playing with Canada’s Vasek Pospisil, they lost to doubles specialists Tomislav Brkic and Gonzalo Escobar 4-6, 6-3, 10/5 but enjoyed overwhelming crowd support along the way

Novak Djokovic receives warm welcome on Oz return

Serbia’s Novak Djokovic signs autographs for fans after his Adelaide International doubles match. Pic/Getty Images

Tennis fans gave Novak Djokovic a raucous welcome during his first match in Australia in almost two years when he made a rare doubles appearance at the Adelaide International on Monday. Playing with Canada’s Vasek Pospisil, they lost to doubles specialists Tomislav Brkic and Gonzalo Escobar 4-6, 6-3, 10/5 but enjoyed overwhelming crowd support along the way. 


Auger-AliassimeAuger-Aliassime


The Serbian superstar was deported from the country before the 2022 Australian Open for not being vaccinated for Covid and was subsequently barred from re-entering for three years. But the ban was lifted in November and he will be attempting to win a 10th Australian Open title later this month. The match was played on a packed outside court, with the spectators who managed to get in firmly behind Djokovic. He walked out to loud cheers and fans chanting “Novak, Novak”. While there were plenty of Serbian flags courtside, it became obvious that everyone was barracking for the 35-year-old, who stayed behind to sign autographs and pose for selfies after the match. Djokovic will now focus on his first singles of the year, against Frenchman Constant Lestienne.


Meanwhile, Australian qualifier Alexei Popyrin stunned second seed Felix Auger-Aliassime in the first round of the season-opening Adelaide International on Monday. On a day of upsets, world number 11 Holger Rune also crashed out, as did women’s third seed Daria Kasatkina. Canada’s Auger-Aliassime was in top form towards the end of 2022, winning three tournaments in October and November before leading Canada to Davis Cup glory when they beat Australia in the final. He rose to number six in the world and said before the tournament he wanted to ride the wave of momentum into the 2023 season. But he came unstuck against Popyrin, who dropped out of the top 100 last year, slumping 6-4, 7-6 (7/5). 

Also Read: I was quite emotional: Novak Djokovic

This story has been sourced from a third party syndicated feed, agencies. Mid-day accepts no responsibility or liability for its dependability, trustworthiness, reliability and data of the text. Mid-day management/mid-day.com reserves the sole right to alter, delete or remove (without notice) the content in its absolute discretion for any reason whatsoever

"Exciting news! Mid-day is now on WhatsApp Channels Subscribe today by clicking the link and stay updated with the latest news!" Click here!

Register for FREE
to continue reading !

This is not a paywall.
However, your registration helps us understand your preferences better and enables us to provide insightful and credible journalism for all our readers.

Mid-Day Web Stories

Mid-Day Web Stories

This website uses cookie or similar technologies, to enhance your browsing experience and provide personalised recommendations. By continuing to use our website, you agree to our Privacy Policy and Cookie Policy. OK