Novak Djokovic touched by reception he ‘could only dream of’ on Melbourne return

TOUCHED: Novak Djokovic was touched by the reception he received. Pic: Aaron Favila/AP

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

Rod Laver Arena was full of Serbian flags in support of the nine-time champion, who was playing his first match of the 2023 tournament at Melbourne Park following last year’s vaccine-related deportation.