Novak Djokovic, the world No. 5, dispelled any concerns that the lingering hamstring injury which has hampered him since last week would affect his performances at the Australian Open, as he battled past Spain’s Roberto Carballés Baena 6-3 6-4 6-0 in the opening round in Melbourne.
Tough Opening Test for Djokovic
It was certainly a stern opening test for Djokovic, as world No. 75 Carballés Baena proved a gritty and determined opponent for the opening two sets. In any case, Baena’s resistance was broken by Novak on the third set, making the 10th Australian Open title off to the best possible start.
Welcome Back, Novak
Djokovic received a warm welcome from the crowd in Melbourne, as he had done last week during his victorious run at the Adelaide warmup event, in what was his first Appearance at the Australian Open since the deportation incident that occurred one year ago. “Unbelievable atmosphere, thanks for staying this late everybody,” Djokovic said to huge applause and cheers in his post-match interview. “Also thank you for giving such a welcome and reception I could only dream of.
“I’m very happy I’m back in Australia and back here on the court where I’ve had the biggest success of my career. This court is the most special in my life.
“The more you win on a certain court, the more comfortable and confident you feel. That’s probably one of the reasons I’ve been fortunate enough to win a lot of matches on this court in the night session.
“If I have to choose one court and one condition, it would be night sessions on the Rod Laver Arena all day long.”
Djokovic’s Dominance in Australia
This win was Novak’s 35th straight victory in Australia. The scores tied at 2-2 but the difference in exertion between the two players was already notorious. At one end, Carballés Baena was breathing heavily, while it looked as though Djokovic had barely broken a sweat.
The Serb was soon made to work hard, however, as Carballés Baena manufactured a 0-40 lead in the fifth game to earn himself three break points. Djokovic’s left thigh was heavily strapped as he continued to manage the hamstring injury that forced him to pull out of a practice match last week and fans may have briefly wondered if it was affecting his performance.
But the 21-time grand slam champion swiftly allayed those fears and ripped off five straight points to hold serve and then promptly proceeded to break Carballés Baena to love.
Djokovic not only broke the Spaniard’s serve but also his spirit, as he won 13 of the next 15 points to take a commanding 5-2 lead.
Credit to Carballes Baena
Baena deserves credit for not letting the first affect his morale, as the 29-year-old continued to play aggressive tennis and some stunning defense to really make Djokovic earn his first service game of the second set.
The deciding game of the second set was set by an epic 28-shot rally, in which Djokovic won after chasing down a Carballés Baena drop shot, when the scores were tied at 3-3.
After a tough five-minute struggle, Djokovic emerged victorious by breaking serve for the first time in the set. He then went on to win the next game easily.
Another hold of serve from Carballés Baena ensured Djokovic would have to serve for the second set, but he once again held to love to take a commanding two-set lead.
Match Over as a Contest
The match was now seemingly over as a contest as Djokovic won the opening two games of the third set to love and then broke Carballés Baena to take a 3-0 lead.
It was a truly absurd display of dominance from the nine-time Australian Open champion as he won 13 of the final 14 points to close out the match in straight sets.
Looking Ahead
Djokovic’s victory over Carballés Baena was a solid start to his campaign for a record-extending 10th Australian Open title. With the win, Djokovic will now face Daniel Evans in the second round, and potentially Milos Raonic in the fourth round.
Despite the hamstring injury that caused him some concern, Djokovic was able to play through it without issue and his performance in the match allayed any concerns that his injury would affect his performances at the tournament.
Djokovic’s 35th straight victory in Australia is a testament to his dominance on the court in Melbourne, and his fans will be optimistic about his chances of winning another Australian Open title.
However, as the tournament progresses and the competition gets tougher, Djokovic will have to continue to play at a high level to reach his goal of winning a record-extending 10th Australian Open title.
