Djokovic romps in first tie on return to Australia

Novak Djokovic swept to victory in his first singles match on Australian soil since being deported a year ago, crushing Constant Lestienne at the Adelaide International yesterday to kick-start his bid for another Grand Slam title.
The Serbian superstar was given a warm welcome when he played a losing doubles clash on Monday and received similar treatment on a packed centre court.
He beat the Frenchman comfortably 6-3, 6-2 in 74 minutes, breaking once in the first set and twice in the second.
“For the first match I can’t complain, I played well,” Djokovic said. “Thank you all for coming out today. Thank you for giving me the welcome that I could only wish for. Even the circumstances last year, it wasn’t easy for anybody. But I’m just happy to be here focusing on tennis, and enjoying my time with you guys.”
It was his first singles clash in the country after being kicked out before the 2022 Australian Open for not being vaccinated for Covid-19. Djokovic was subsequently barred from re-entering for three years.
The ban was lifted in November, allowing him a chance to win an unprecedented 10th Australian Open crown at Melbourne Park later this month.
Daniil Medvedev, who lost to Djokovic in the 2021 Australian Open final, also tasted victory, saving an incredible nine set points on his way to a 7-6 (8/6), 2-1 win over Italian Lorenzo Sonego who retired hurt.
Jannik Sinner, Denis Shapovalov and Victoria Azarenka were among other winners.
Fourth seed Andrey Rublev was cruising, up a set and 3-1 against Roberto Bautista Agut when the Spaniard began to turn the tables, emerging with a 4-6, 6-3, 6-4 victory.
There was disappointment for Andy Murray 17 years after his only previous Adelaide appearance. The three-time Grand Slam winner failed to fire in a 7-6 (7/3), 6-3 defeat by American Sebastian, who earned a second victory over the veteran.
Sixth seeded Italian Sinner beat Britain’s Kyle Edmund in straight sets while Canadian seventh seed Shapovalov ground out a three set win over Australian qualifier Rinky Hijikata.
In an upset on the women’s side, Estonian former world number two Anett Kontaveit was stunned by Chinese qualifier Zheng Qinwen 6-1, 4-6, 7-6 (9/7). But former two-time Australian Open champion Azarenka survived a tough battle with Ukraine’s Anhelina Kalinina 7-6 (11/9), 7-6 (7/5).

Berrettini inspires Italy to big victory at United Cup
Matteo Berrettini powered past Casper Ruud yesterday to help Italy clinch their United Cup tie against Norway and reach the next round of the inaugural mixed team tournament where they will take on Poland for a spot in the semi-finals. In a rematch of their US Open quarter-final and Gstaad final, where world number three Ruud prevailed last year, it was Berrettini who took control of the match on the back of his powerful serve to seal a 6-4 6-4 Group E win.
Britain won both their Group D matches to set up a meeting with Group C winners United States, who completed a 5-0 win over Germany as Jessica Pegula and Frances Tiafoe won their singles matches before teaming up for more success in mixed doubles.
Poland set up their meeting with Italy when Magda Linette rallied to beat Switzerland’s Jil Teichmann 5-7 6-4 6-1 to give her country a 3-1 advantage that secured the tie and top position in Group B.
World number 10 Hubert Hurkacz earlier beat Swiss veteran Stan Wawrinka 7-6(5) 6-4 to send Poland on their way. Maria Sakkari earned Greece a spot in the Perth final from Group A with a 6-1 7-5 win over Belgium’s Elise Mertens.