Novak Djokovic has issued a warning to the men’s draw with a comprehensive 6-1, 6-2, 6-4, win over a lacklustre Donald Young in the first round of the Australian Open.
The 14th seed displayed few signs of being hindered by his troublesome elbow injury that has sidelined him for six months. Displaying tennis reminiscent of the form that has taken him to No.1 in the world. His Tuesday clash at Melbourne Park was the start of a new chapter in his career. Now guided by mentors Radek Stepanek and Andre Agassi, the service motion of the Serbian has been adjusted to relieve pressure on the Elbow. These changes appear to be a winning combination as he blasted four aces and 33 winners.
“It feels so great to be back here, it feels so great to be back on a tennis court.” Djokovic said during his on-court interview.
“There is no better place for me to start playing after six months of injury than here is Australia.”
Playing in his first match since withdrawing from the Wimbledon championships, it was a dream start by the six-time champion. Facing Young, who was making his 35th appearance in a grand slam draw, he bullied the American around the court. A five-game winning streak secured the opening set for Djokovic in just 23 minutes with him showing little signs of rust. Producing just two unforced errors compared to Young’s tally of 17.
Clinical.
Six-time #AusOpen champ @DjokerNole wins the first set vs #Young 6-1. pic.twitter.com/Os8BzmS0e8
— #AusOpen (@AustralianOpen) January 16, 2018
Continuing to muscle his way through, Djokovic delighted his army of fans on the Margaret Court Arena. Smiling throughout the match and even joking about how long one of the Hawk-Eye challenges took to work. Relishing his return to the main stage of tennis, another five-game streak elevated him to a 5-0 lead in the second set before Young finally hit back. The former top 40 American retrieved one of the breaks, but it still wasn’t enough as Djokovic clinched the two sets lead with the help of an error from his rival.
Cruising towards a place in the second round, Djokovic maintained his high level of intensity. It wasn’t until the closing stages of the match that the former champion got tested. Young’s hot and cold game was unpredictable, but still had the potential to trouble him. Yet, it was not enough to deny Djokovic. A blistering backhand return secured him a break three games into the third set to move him closer towards the finish line. Leading by two sets and 5-3, the 30-year-old had five match points, but failed to convert any due to some mighty resistance from Young. A game later Djokovic finally prevailed with the help of another error from Young.
“The first match after six months, you never know how you’re going to start off from the blocks. Obviously I came to the court today with the right emotion.” Said Djokovic.
“ I am so grateful that I had this opportunity to be here because a month ago I was unsure if I was going to come to Australia or not.”
The return to Melbourne was one that has recently been in doubt. Djokovic withdrew from events in Abu Dhabi and Doha leading into the Australian season due to elbow pain. Making his emphatic win over Young one that he relishes.
“I’ve never faced this situation in my life. I think I have been absent for one month ever since I started playing professional tennis.” He said about his injury hiatus.
“Here I am (in Melbourne). I wanted to start with the right intensity, which I did. (leading) 6-1, 5-0, I played perfect tennis. Like I never stopped. It was really enjoyable.”
Djokovic next faces a potential second round meeting with Gael Monfils, who recently won the Doha Open. Unseeded Monfils faces Spanish qualifier Jaume Munar in his first round match.
