Tuesday, 22 February 2022 – 11:29 WIB
VIVA – World number one Novak Djokovic returned to action and started the 2022 season with a convincing 6-3 6-3 win over young Italian Lorenzo Musetti at the Dubai Championships in Dubai, United Arab Emirates, Monday 21 February 2022.
The 34-year-old has shown no signs of slowing down or mental strain from her recent drama at the Australian Open, still looking sharp to advance into the second round of the tournament.
It was Djokovic’s first match of the year after his hopes of playing at the Australian Open earlier this year were dashed after he was deported following 11 days of drama surrounding his decision not to get vaccinated and a controversial exemption.
Two court hearings were held before the decision to repatriate the Serbian from Melbourne, the venue for the Australian Open.
But back on the court in the serene surroundings of Aviation Club Dubai, Djokovic showed why he will be favorite to win a 10th Australian Open title and beat Rafa Nadal for a record 21st Grand Slam title.
After being cheered by the crowd as he entered the court, Djokovic stepped up his tennis skills by stealing points from Musetti’s serve in the fourth game of the first set.
Watched by his entourage including his wife Jelena, Djokovic broke early in the second set with a forehand that his opponent couldn’t hold back.
