What was Craig Tiley worried about?
Novak Djokovic made a losing return to Australia on Monday in a low-scale doubles match with best friend Vasek Pospisil in Adelaide, but the result was ultimately inconsequential.
Any fears Djokovic would face a crowd baying for blood after his vaccine-related deportation drama last year quickly subsided as the occasion became an overwhelming love-in for the Serbian superstar.
Novak Djokovic teamed up with Vasek Pospisil on his return to competitive tennis in Australia.Credit:Getty Images
Fans lined up from 9am to get a seat at The Drive’s boutique show court one, even though Djokovic and Pospisil weren’t scheduled until the second match, after the 11am opener.
Their first peep at Djokovic set the tone: a roar, before “Novak” and “Nole” chants broke out. Australian Open boss Tiley’s answer on his potential greeting was right there.
Melbourne in two weeks’ time might provide a different test, but there was no sign of any angst in Adelaide.
The most disrespect Djokovic copped was an unaware patron belatedly walking to his seat as the nine-time Australian Open champion prepared to serve (so, just the usual at this time of year).
If the former world No.1 was a tad anxious fronting the media last week, any leftover jangling nerves would have soon disappeared at his ultra-friendly welcome.
One effusive banner, with Djokovic’s impression prominently featured, read: “Like it or not. Greatest of all-time.”
Fans surrounded the court in large numbers and some even had to resort to peeping under a fence to get a look, such was the interest in Djokovic.
A quick scan through the heaving stands spotted at least two Serbian flags, as well as national scarves and soccer tops, while others were more creative.
One effusive banner, with Djokovic’s impression prominently featured, read: “Like it or not. Greatest of all-time.”
And much like a rock concert, everyone had their mobile phones out trying to capture their special Novak moment – but there were also police officers on hand, just in case.
In reality, this wasn’t Djokovic’s prettiest performance. He’s effectively a doubles novice, although Pospisil boasts a Wimbledon doubles title on his resume with American Jack Sock.
Djokovic was in a playful mood early as he and Pospisil took early control and soon went a set up, with one fan yelling afterwards: “Australia loves you.”
It was bang on the money on this day. Djokovic, for his part, didn’t drop a point on either of his service games in the first set.
More testing moments were to come.
Djokovic dug himself out of trouble on serve in the second set, and was animated enough to get airborne for a chest bump with Pospisil after winning the best point of the contest, when the Canadian’s desperate lunge volley gave them a 40-30 edge.
But that was one of their last hurrahs as doubles specialists Tomislav Brkic and Gonzalo Escobar began to spoil the party.
They raced through the second set to force a match tiebreaker as Djokovic and Pospisil became increasingly frustrated.
There were wry grins, head shakes, hands on hips and a couple of audible growls from Djokovic. His volleying wasn’t always sharp, and the best returner ever even missed several of those at crucial junctures.
An overly eager Escobar was penalised for knocking off a volley before it came over the other side of the net, which gave Djokovic the mini-break with two serves to come.
But they lost seven of the next eight points to bow out 4-6, 6-3, [10-5]. The crowd wasn’t even disappointed, with good reason.
A still-grinning Djokovic spent the next five or so minutes signing autographs and posing for photos as adoring fans hung over the fence.
So far, so good. He will be back for singles on Tuesday night, when the result will actually matter.
Watch all the action from the summer of tennis, including the United Cup, live on Channel Nine, 9Gem and 9NOW.
