By Richard Pagliaro | Friday, January 13, 2023
The photographs got here from each conceivable angle.
Novak Djokovic confronted every one with a smile.
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Nine-time AO champion Djokovic spent minutes accommodating followers’ selfie requests after his rousing return to Rod Laver Arena in Friday night time’s charity exhibition in opposition to Nick Kyrgios that was a rematch of the Wimbledon closing.
A 12 months after Djokovic was deported from Australia over his unvaccinated standing in a controversial case that drew world consideration, followers in a sold-out Rod Laver Arena embraced and cheered the previous world No. 1.
Feeling the love from Melbourne followers moved Djokovic.
“I’m very happy, thank you so much,” Djokovic advised followers in Rod Laver Arena. “I feel a bit emotional right now, to be honest. I was really looking forward to coming back to this court, so thank you, guys, for coming out tonight for a great cause.”
Reigning Australian Open doubles champion Kyrgios and 21-time Grand Slam champion Djokovic handled followers to a wildly entertaining exhibition.
Absolute chaos! ????
This match is popping right into a hilarious spectacle ????????
????️ LIVE: https://t.co/9vyCxMGchZ#Tennis #AusOpen???????? pic.twitter.com/Qcr84n1qQQ
— Wide World of Sports (@wwos) January 13, 2023
The 35-year-old Serbian celebrity sported black kinesiology tape on the again of his left leg to guard the strained hamstring he sustained en path to his 92nd profession title in Adelaide final week.
The fourth-seeded Djokovic moved properly and stated he feels pain-free forward of his quest for a tenth AO title and a males’s record-tying twenty second Grand Slam championship.
“Yeah, I’m feeling good; feeling good,” Djokovic stated in his pre-match on-court interview. “This is the match I care only about right now: Nick! Nick is in my thoughts, he is in my prayers!”
The six-time ATP Finals champion Djokovic may face the Nineteenth-seeded Kyrgios within the AO quarterfinals.
Photo credit score: Graham Denholm/Getty