DJOKOVIC CRUISES ON RETURN TO MELBOURNE

NOVAK DJOKOVIC was given a hero’s welcome as he returned to the Australian Open with a straight-sets victory over Roberto Carballes Baena.

A year on from his vaccinerelated deportation, the nine-time champion cruised to a routine 6-3, 6-4, 6-0 victory. ‘Thank you for giving me such a welcoming reception I could only dream of,’ Djokovic said to the crowd.