The Serbian champion Novak Djokovic reached Adelaide, Australia, a few days ago, for the first match of the season and presented the team that will lead him in 2023. The physiotherapist Ulises Badio will no longer be part of his team.
The Italian Claudio Zimaglia will take the place of the Argentine. Confirmed, of course, Goran Ivanisevic and Marco Panichi. The other two novelties concern the presence of the expert double player Carlos Gomez-Herrera and Mijlan Amanovic.
The latter will return to travel with the Belgrader around the Tour. In one of Djokovic’s last training sessions on the courts of the Adelaide International 1, spectators were allowed to access the stadium’s stands.
Here’s how Novak Djokovic was received by the Aussie crowd in Adelaide
The first reception towards him was far from trivial. Numerous fans, including several Australians, cheered on Djokovic’s support by displaying many Serbian flags and yelling “Nole, Nole”
Djokovic, at the ATP 250 tournament in Adelaide 1, will face the French Constant Lestienne on his debut. If he wins, waiting for him in the second round would be one between Jordan Thompson and Quentin Halys. The main suspects to challenge Djokovic in the quarterfinals and semifinals are Denis Shapovalov and Daniil Medvedev.
“I always ask for the best for myself, so we’ll see what happens in Australia. Over the years I’ve been lucky enough to always get off to a good start in Australia and enjoy playing there, but of course after what happened earlier this year I hope to have a decent reception and be able to play good quality tennis level.”
After the case that erupted last year, when his visa was revoked and he had to leave Melbourne without playing, Novak Djokovic has expressed his desire to receive a light and non-hostile welcome. Below you can watch the video published by well-known Sport Klub journalist Sasa Ozmo about Novak Djokovic:
Warm reception for #Djokovic in Adelaide.
pic.twitter.com/Lw6TfOJEuo — Saša Ozmo (@ozmo_sasa) December 31, 2022
