Novak Djokovic easily defeated Roberto Carballes

• Serb was disqualified from last year’s tournament.
• The 35-year-old is aiming for a record-tying 22nd major victory.
• Becomes just the third player in history to win at least 10 titles.

Novak Djokovic was greeted with deafening applause as he easily defeated Spanish opponent Roberto Carballes Baena to begin his quest for a tenth Australian Open title.

The 35-year-old, who was disqualified from last year’s competition, had no evidence of the hamstring ailment he sustained in Adelaide earlier this month as he sped to a 6-3, 6-4, 6-0 triumph on Rod Laver Arena.

There were worries about how he could be welcomed by supporters in Melbourne after he was unable to participate last year due to his stance on the COVID-19 vaccination.

At the height of the pandemic, the city was subject to protracted lockdowns.

However, as in Adelaide, the fourth seed walked out to loud cheers and chants of “Nole,” with vocal support from a stadium awash in Serbian flags throughout the match.

“Thank you for such a warm welcome that I could only dream of,” said Djokovic, who is aiming for a record-tying 22nd major victory.

“I feel incredibly thrilled that I’m back here in Australia and on the court where I have enjoyed the best success in my career.

“This is without a doubt the most special court I’ve ever played on, and I couldn’t have asked for a greater start to the tournament.”

He entered at Melbourne Park in hot form, having finished 2022 by winning another ATP Finals title and then winning the Adelaide International.

As if that wasn’t enough of a challenge for Carballes Baena, Djokovic entered the match having won his previous 21 Australian Open matches.

This is a 9x #AusOpen champion.

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This is greatness.
This is Novak Djokovic.@DjokerNole • @wwos • @espn • @eurosport • @wowowtennis • #AO2023 pic.twitter.com/XMrMv487MJ

— #AusOpen (@AustralianOpen) January 17, 2023

He got things going with an ace, but things weren’t always going his way; in the fifth game, he had to avoid three break points.

However, he recovered fast, broke to love in the following game for a 4-2 advantage, and finished the set.

When he slipped for a shot at 2-2 in the following set, it appeared like his hamstring was bothering him briefly, but he persisted and broke again for 4-3 when Carballes Baena missed a forehand.

As the time in Melbourne ticked past midnight, Djokovic raised his game. He broke early in the third set, leaving the Spaniard without any answers as the former world number one stormed to victory.

“I’m extremely satisfied with how I performed in the third set. I didn’t allow him much breathing room from the back of the court “He stated.

“I did an excellent job of serving. The second set was up and down, and he fought hard.”

Long-time rival Rafael Nadal won the title in Djokovic’s absence last year, claiming his 21st Grand Slam, which he extended to 22 at the French Open.

Djokovic won Wimbledon to bring his total to 21, and he has made no secret of his desire for more.

Dominant Down Under 💪 @DjokerNole pic.twitter.com/Ld6THkbX31

— #AusOpen (@AustralianOpen) January 17, 2023

The desire to become just the third player in history to win at least 10 titles at a single Grand Slam provides additional drive.

There are just two players with more titles—Nadal, with 14 at Roland Garros, and Margaret Court, with 11 victories at the Australian Open.

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