World No. 1 Novak Djokovic started the 2022 season with a relatively easy victory on Monday in Dubai, as he defeated Italian Lorenzo Musetti 6-3, 6-3.
Expelled from Australia before the first Grand Slam of the year last month for refusing to be vaccinated against COVID-19, Djokovic was forced to return late to the United Arab Emirates.
In Melbourne, Djokovic missed an opportunity to defend his crown.
In Dubai, however, the Serb can take part in the tournament as the coronavirus vaccine is not mandatory to enter the Emirates, where 895 new cases were announced last Thursday.
Entering the main stadium of Dubai Duty Free Stadium around 22:15 local time before the start of the match 15 minutes later, the Serbian champion was greeted with applause from the audience.
The reconnection that took place, did not take long to re-enter the bathroom of the competition, winning the first set in 36 minutes ahead of the 58th in the world. Then flags waving the image of “Djoko” were waved and “Nole” was launched from the stands.
The second set was more controversial, but Djokovic at 3-2, saved a 4th break point against the Italian and let his rage for victory explode several times, before winning again 6-3.
Musetti had won two sets against Djokovic at Roland Garros in 2021.
In the round of 16, Djokovic will face the winner of the match between the Russian Karen Khachanov, 26th in the world, and the Australian Alex de Minaur, 32.
“I could not ask for a better welcome. “It’s been a long time since I played and I could not have imagined a better experience to start my season,” he said, who had not played for about three months.
“I must be happy with my tennis after winning a straight set after a long inactivity. There are good and less good ones, with effortless mistakes. But I’m glad I finished the job in two sets against a talented youngster. »
Murray is close to 700 wins
Britain’s Andy Murray came from behind in his first game in Dubai and defeated Australia’s Christopher O’Connell 6-7 (4), 6-3, 7-5.
After dropping the first set after 68 minutes of play, Murray came together to sign the 699th victory of his career on the ATP Tour.
Clearly disappointed after the first set, Murray hit his racket hard.
He will have the opportunity to add a 700th triumph to his next match, which will be played on Wednesday with the winner of the duel between the Italian Yannick Sinner and the Spaniard Alejandro Davidovic Fokina.
