Novak Djokovic (5th, Serbia), who reported a spectacular comeback at the Australian Open (total prize money of 76.5 million Australian dollars, about 66.26 billion won), which returned after two years, finished the game After that, he didn’t leave the court for a long time. It is to repay the fans who supported him on the field until dawn.
Djokovic defeated Spain’s Roberto Cavales Baena (75th) 3-0 (6-3 6-4 6-0) in the men’s singles first round on the second day of the tournament held at the Park Road Laver Arena in Melbourne, Australia on the 17th.
It was a perfect comeback. Before the tournament, he was concerned about his poor hamstring, and actually appeared with a bandage on his left thigh that day, but it did not interfere with his performance at all.
He was one step ahead of Baena in all skills of serve, forehand, and backhand. His agile movement and sharp play brought the flow. Djokovic, who showed off his aggressive play, recorded 41 winners, overwhelming Baena, who only had 14.
Djokovic, who was expelled from Australia last year due to non-vaccination against the novel coronavirus infection (Corona 19), dramatically received a visa and stepped on Australian soil again.
Tennis fans around the world were interested in Djokovic’s return. Earlier, as Andy Murray (66th, UK) and Matteo Berrettini (14th, Italy) fought for 4 hours and 49 minutes at Rod Laver Arena, Djokovic’s last scheduled game was delayed for a considerable time, but 15,000 people who filled the stadium Most of the fans stayed in their seats until the end. 메이저놀이터
Serbian flags were flying all over the stadium, and they generously cheered for the game that lasted until dawn. Every time Djokovic made a fantastic play, a cheering song that compared Djokovic’s name, ‘Nore~Norenorenore’, resounded in the stadium. It was practically Djokovic’s home court.
Djokovic also thanked his fans for waiting for him for a long time.
“It’s an unbelievable atmosphere. Thank you so much for staying so late, and thank you for the hospitality and welcome that I could only dream of,” he said. The most special place in the world,” he said, eliciting cheers from the crowd.
Even after the game, Djokovic remained on the court for a long time and provided generous fan service to the fans. He enjoyed the victory by taking autographs and taking selfies until he had almost completed half a lap of the court.
For Djokovic, this Australian Open is an important tournament with many records at stake. If Djokovic lifts the championship cup, he will win the Australian Open for the 10th time in his career and tie the record for the most Grand Slam wins (22 times) with Rafael Nadal (2nd place, Spain). And he can bring down Carlos Alcaras (Spain), who was absent from the Australian Open due to injury, and rise to the top of the rankings.
Djokovic, who successfully put the first button on, faces the winner of the match between Hugo Delian (131st, Bolivia) and Enzo Cuaco (191st, France) in the second round.