Winning return for Djokovic.
The 35-year-old Serb was expelled on the eve of the 2022 Australian Open for not being vaccinated against COVID-19 and received a three-year travel ban to the country, which was lifted in November .
After being well received by fans in a rare doubles appearance on Monday, Djokovic began his preparation for the Australian Open from January 16-29 against world No. 65 Lestienne as he raced through the first set.
Circumstances last year were what they were and it wasn't easy for anyone but am I happy to be here?
Novak Djokovic
The man with 21 Grand Slam titles ratcheted up the pressure on his French opponent by netting a double break to lead 4-0 in the second set before Lestienne limited the damage.
But Djokovic finished the game in style as fans chanted his name.
“
I have to say I'm happy to be back in Australia, thank you all for coming
,” Djokovic said on the court.
"
Thank you for giving me the welcome that I could only wish for.
If I have to choose a country where I had the most success, which treated me the best in terms of tennis, it is here.
I won my first Grand Slam here in 2008 and have nine Australian Open titles – I've had some epic matches.
Australia is where I play my best tennis and I can't wait to come here.
Circumstances last year were what they were and it wasn't easy for anyone but I'm happy to be here, focusing on tennis and enjoying my time with you guys.
»
World number five Djokovic's next opponent will be another Frenchman, Quentin Halys, who beat Australian Jordan Thompson 6-3 6-4.
Former US Open champion Daniil Medvedev also advanced to the second round of the ATP 250 tournament after Lorenzo Sonego retired with a right arm injury while trailing 7-6(6). ) 2-1.
Medvedev, who lost to Rafa Nadal in the Melbourne Park final last year, saved nine set points to win the opening set.
Medvedev takes on Serbian Miomir Kecmanovic for a spot in the quarter-finals.
