Novak Djokovic launches his season with a victory without trembling in Dubai, a month after his expulsion from Australia

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In the fight to defend his place as world No. 1, which Daniil Medvedev could steal from him in the event of victory this week at the Acapulco tournament, “Djoko” received a very good reception from the public. Flags bearing his likeness flew in the stands, from which “Novaks” were launched. “Thank you very much for your support and the way you welcomed me,” said the hero of the day after the match, who “couldn’t have chosen a better place to start my season”.

He tried not to watch the Australian Open final

After the meeting, the Serb returned to the Australian Open final won by Rafael Nadal against Medvedev. The Spaniard became the first man to win 21 Majors, while Djokovic, like Roger Federer, remains stuck at 20. “I was trying not to watch her, but I had my family watching, everyone, my wife, my children, so I had to follow her, ”he confessed at a press conference.

“But congratulations to Rafa. It’s an incredible performance. He is an incredible fighter, he added. I don’t want to take anything away from his victory even though I didn’t participate. Of course, it was not pleasant for me to leave the country like that and watch the tournament from afar. »

In the second round in Dubai, the Serb will face the winner of the match scheduled for Tuesday between Russian Karen Khachanov (26th in the world) and Australian Alex de Minaur (32nd).

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