Novak Djokovic acquired a rapturous welcome again to Melbourne Park in a sell-out observe match towards Nick Kyrgios.
The Australian Open has placed on a collection of warm-up encounters constructing as much as the beginning of the match on Monday, culminating on this contest on Rod Laver Arena.
All of the cut-price tickets costing 20 Australian {dollars} (roughly £11) bought out inside an hour of occurring sale and any fears Djokovic might have had in regards to the reception he would obtain following final 12 months’s deportation would have dissipated when he noticed the variety of Serbian flags within the crowd.
Speaking after strolling on courtroom, the nine-time champion mentioned: “I’m very happy. Thank you so much. I feel a bit emotional. I was looking forward to coming back to this court.”
As nicely because the feelings of returning to Melbourne, Djokovic has been battling a left hamstring damage and wore tape on his leg, whereas Kyrgios pulled out of representing Australia on the United Cup due to his personal leg situation.
But this was not an encounter to check both man’s health, with the light-hearted contest seeing Djokovic dancing on courtroom earlier than the 2 males have been joined for the ultimate tie-break by wheelchair stars David Wagner and Heath Davidson and two junior gamers.
Djokovic and Kyrgios each wore microphones and performed to the gang, who lapped up their antics.
Speaking afterwards, Djokovic mentioned: “It just feels great to be back in Australia, back in Melbourne. This is the court where I created the best memories of my tennis career.”
Kyrgios was one of many few gamers to face up for Djokovic final 12 months within the row over his vaccination standing, thawing what had been a frosty relationship.
“It’s just so important to have him around,” mentioned Kyrgios. “I don’t think we knew how special these guys are to our sport.”
Both males, who may meet on the identical courtroom within the quarter-finals, start their campaigns on Tuesday, Djokovic towards Roberto Carballes Baena whereas Kyrgios takes on Roman Safiullin.
