Top seed Novak Djokovic has sent out a warning to the rest of the field at the Japan Open after easing his way through the first round on Tuesday.
Opening up his campaign against Australian qualifier Alexei Popryin, the world No.1 strolled to a convincing 6-4, 6-2, victory at the Ariake Coliseum in Tokyo. The encounter was Djokovic’s first singles match since withdrawing from the US Open due to a shoulder injury. Despite the recent setback, he looks to be back on track. Against world No.94 Popyrin, Djokovic didn’t face a break point as he won 84% of his first service points. Furthermore, the 16-time grand slam champion als hit almost three times more winners than unforced errors (30-12).
This week is the first time Djokovic is playing a professional tournament of any sort in Japan. His debut in the country comes ahead of the 2020 Olympic Games, which will be held in Tokyo. Djokovic has previously stated that he intends to play in the event.
This week the Serbian is aiming to claim his fourth title of the season after winning two grand slam titles (Australian Open and Wimbledon), as well as the Madrid Open. Awaiting him in the next round will be home play Go Soeda. Soeda edged out Germany’s Jan-Lennard Struff in three tight sets to get his first main draw match win at the tournament on his 13th attempt.
“I want to play him. I’ve never played against a World No. 1. So if I play him, I’ll be really happy. I’ll try my best like the Japanese rugby team,” Soeda said, referring to the ongoing Rugby World Cup taking place.
“I’m really excited. That time I played Nadal, I was really nervous. Maybe next time, too, but I really enjoy to play [against the top players].”
Djokovic has won his past five matches against Japanese players. His last loss was to Taro Daniel at the 2018 BNP Paribas Open in Indian Wells.
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