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Nine-time Australian Open champion Novak Djokovic opens with an impressive straight-sets victory against Roberto Carballes Baena I The Serbian was back at Melbourne Park after his visa ban was lifted by the Australian government following his controversial deportation last year
Novak Djokovic began his quest for a record-extending 10th Australian Open title with a comfortable 6-3 6-4 6-0 victory over Spain's Roberto Carballes Baena.
There had been serious concerns over Djokovic's fitness with his upper left leg heavily strapped during practice, but the former world No 1 allayed any fears by dismantling the world No 75.
Djokovic was given a hero's welcome on Rod Laver Arena which 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.