Australian Open organisers will be able to breathe a sigh of relief after Novak Djokovic’s dominant first round display under an injury cloud.
The Serbian demolished Spaniard Roberto Carballes Baena in straight sets – 6-3, 6-4, 6-0 – to cruise through to the second round.
Fans who packed out Rod Laver Arena weren’t interested so much in the result, but more so if the 21-time grand slam winner would make it through unscathed.
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Djokovic has been nursing a hamstring injury and fears he might pull the pin on the Australian Open were heightened when he cancelled a practice session.
By all accounts though, the 35-year-old should be able to see out the competition.
Speaking on Stan Sport’s Grand Slam Daily, tennis pro turned commentator Mark Petchey painted a bright picture for Djokovic and his fans.
“There were a couple of times in the match, to be honest, that he kind of stretched for a ball or a couple of drop shots where he kind of shook his leg out afterwards,” said Petchey.
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“There’s definitely some concern there. You won’t not have a practice, which is what happened two days prior to this, if there isn’t a concern.
“You’re going to go through your routine, you’re going to make sure everything is normal. So the reality is, there definitely is an issue with Novak’s hamstring, but it’s clearly not something that he can’t manage at the moment.
“Will it be around when the tougher tests come? Probably not, and that’s probably what I’m sure he’s hoping for. For the time being, everything looked pretty good out there.”
Petchey said that even if the hamstring issue lingers, it won’t be enough to put him out of contention.
He noted previous instances where the former world No.1 had fought through injury for results.
“I think he’s going to be fine,” Petchey added.
“He’s had problems here in the past. Let’s not forget when he tore the ab(dominal muscle) against Taylor Fritz in 2021. Remember when he was feeling very poorly against (Dominic) Theim in the final of AO in 2020 as well. Had to go off at 4-1 down in the third set.
“He’s got form here in the past where he hasn’t felt perfect and he’s still come away with the silverware. I’m not going to count him out.
“I said (on Tuesday) on commentary; would you take Novak or would you take the other 127 players to win the title? They’re the two choices you have, and I think most people would take Novak.”
Djokovic cruises through first-round AO match
Djokovic drew an enormous crowd to Rod Laver Arena for his first round matchup, the Melbourne fans seemingly forgiving any wrongdoings of the past.
It’s no secret that the Belgrade-born tennis star had come under intense scrutiny due to his vaccination stance, one which could have polarised Victorians given their predicament during the COVID-19 pandemic.
In his charity match with Nick Kyrgios, ‘The Joker’ confessed he was emotional after a rapturous response from the Melbourne crowd.
There were similar scenes on Tuesday night.
“Melbourne just wrapped their arms around him,” said Petchey.
“There was no question about that, what happened 12 months ago has definitely been forgiven. They’re super happy to see him back.
“I think we’re all, in tennis, super happy. When he puts on a show like he did (on Tuesday night), I mean, it is a sport, but it’s entertainment.
“There are very few players that compete like Novak, and I thought he maybe peaked too early in the tournament, but boy was it a joy to watch.”
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