21-time Grand Slam champion Novak Djokovic was at his scintillating best in the opening round of the Australian Open. Making a comeback into the tournament after being deported from the Down Under country last year, Djokovic blasted&nbsp;Spain's Roberto Carballes Baena without much fuss.&nbsp;

Walking into a rousing reception from the Rod Laver Arena crowd, Djokovic dominated from the word go and came out trumps with an imposing&nbsp;&nbsp;6-3, 6-4, 6-0 scoreline.&nbsp;

Djokovic was off the blocks in a rusty manner as he had to save three break points in the fifth game. However, the nine-time winner at Melbourne Park regained his rhythm and broke next game to secure a 4-2 lead and quickly close out the set.&nbsp;

A brief hamstring issue in the second set appeared to cause some discomfort to the Serbian but he managed to soldier on and broke the Spaniard yet again for a 4-3 lead.&nbsp;

The last set proved too much for Baena who surrendered as Djovokic&nbsp;blitzed past him, winning six games in succession.&nbsp;

"Thank you for giving me such a welcoming reception that I could only dream of. "I feel really happy that I'm back here in Australia and on the court where I have had the biggest success in my career," said Djokovic after the match.&nbsp;

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"Definitely this court is the most special court in my life." 🫶 
 
🇷🇸 <a href="https://twitter.com/DjokerNole?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@DjokerNole</a> thanks the fans at Rod Laver Arena. 
 
<a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/AusOpen?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#AusOpen</a> • <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/AO2023?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#AO2023</a> <a href="https://t.co/9xLab831gB">pic.twitter.com/9xLab831gB</a>
— #AusOpen (@AustralianOpen) <a href="https://twitter.com/AustralianOpen/status/1615347808047099904?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">January 17, 2023</a></blockquote>
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Despite the controversy from the last year relatively fresh, Djokovic appears to have moved on. Prior to his match, Djokovic said he wouldn't be here if he had not moved on.&nbsp;

Djokovic came into the tournament on the back of an impressive showing at the Adelaide International where he secured his&nbsp;92nd career title.&nbsp;

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/watch-novak-djokovic-kicks-brother-agents-out-of-his-box-during-adelaide-intl-final-apologises-later-551012">WATCH: Novak Djokovic kicks brother &amp; agents out of his box during Adelaide Int'l final, apologises later</a>

"In a way, if I do hold grudges, probably if I'm not able to move on, I wouldn't be here.&nbsp;Also I have to say that the amount of positive experiences I had in Australia overwhelm the negative experience maybe of last year."

Djokovic has his eyes firmly set on matching his compatriot Rafel Nadal in the number of Grand Slams won. Nadal won the Australian Open and French Open last year to take his tally to 22 while Djokovic could only win Wimbledon to stay one behind on 21.

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21-time Grand Slam champion Novak Djokovic was at his scintillating best in the opening round of the Australian Open. Making a comeback into the tournament after being deported from the Down Under country last year, Djokovic blasted Spain's Roberto Carballes Baena without much fuss.

21-time Grand Slam champion Novak Djokovic was at his scintillating best in the opening round of the Australian Open. Making a comeback into the tournament after being deported from the Down Under country last year, Djokovic blasted Spain's Roberto Carballes Baena without much fuss. Walking into a rousing reception from the Rod Laver Arena crowd, Djokovic dominated from the word go and came out trumps with an imposing 6-3, 6-4, 6-0 scoreline. Djokovic was off the blocks in a rusty manner as he had to save three break points in the fifth game. However, the nine-time winner at Melbourne Park regained his rhythm and broke next game to secure a 4-2 lead and quickly close out the set. A brief hamstring issue in the second set appeared to cause some discomfort to the Serbian but he managed to soldier on and broke the Spaniard yet again for a 4-3 lead. The last set proved too much for Baena who surrendered as Djovokic blitzed past him, winning six games in succession. "Thank you for giving me such a welcoming reception that I could only dream of. "I feel really happy that I'm back here in Australia and on the court where I have had the biggest success in my career," said Djokovic after the match. "Definitely this court is the most special court in my life." 🫶 🇷🇸 @DjokerNole thanks the fans at Rod Laver Arena. #AusOpen • #AO2023 pic.twitter.com/9xLab831gB — #AusOpen (@AustralianOpen) January 17, 2023 × Despite the controversy from the last year relatively fresh, Djokovic appears to have moved on. Prior to his match, Djokovic said he wouldn't be here if he had not moved on. Djokovic came into the tournament on the back of an impressive showing at the Adelaide International where he secured his 92nd career title. WATCH: Novak Djokovic kicks brother & agents out of his box during Adelaide Int'l final, apologises later "In a way, if I do hold grudges, probably if I'm not able to move on, I wouldn't be here. Also I have to say that the amount of positive experiences I had in Australia overwhelm the negative experience maybe of last year." Djokovic has his eyes firmly set on matching his compatriot Rafel Nadal in the number of Grand Slams won. Nadal won the Australian Open and French Open last year to take his tally to 22 while Djokovic could only win Wimbledon to stay one behind on 21. WATCH WION LIVE HERE:

Australian Open: Djokovic returns with a bang in quest for his 22nd Grand Slam title

A "highly motivated" Rafael Nadal called rival Novak Djokovic's much-anticipated return to the Australian Open "good for tennis" on Wednesday, dismissing suggestions that it could be his final appearance at the season-opening Grand Slam. The 36-year-old Spaniard, who recently became a father, is kicking off his new season at the United Cup, a new mixed-teams event that kicks off Thursday in Sydney, Brisbane, and Perth. It will serve as a warm-up for his defence of the Australian Open title next month at Melbourne Park, where he defeated Russian Daniil Medvedev in an epic five-setter earlier this year.

That triumph came after archrival and nine-time Australian Open champion Novak Djokovic was detained and deported ahead of the tournament for refusing to get vaccinated for Covid-19.&nbsp;

Australia has since lifted its requirement for visitors to show proof of vaccination against Covid. The Serb arrived back in the country on Tuesday for the first time since being turfed out.

Also Read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/karim-benzema-was-fit-but-sent-home-prematurely-benzemas-agent-lashes-out-at-france-boss-deschamps-547290">Karim Benzema was fit but sent home prematurely: Benzema's agent lashes out at France boss Deschamps</a>

Nadal, who has a record men's 22 Grand Slam titles to Djokovic's 21, said he was happy to see his superstar rival back. "Novak is here, good for tennis, good for probably the fans," the world number two said in Sydney. "Let's see, no? Best players on the court always win."&nbsp;

Fifth-ranked Djokovic will begin his quest for an incredible 10th title at Melbourne Park at the Adelaide International from Sunday.

In 2004, Nadal made his Australian Open debut. He is now a father, and given his history of injuries, he was asked if this was his final trip to Australia. "As a professional, you never know, hopefully not," he said.

Also Read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/iranian-woman-competes-without-hijab-at-international-chess-tournament-547244">Iranian woman competes without hijab at international chess tournament</a>

"I mean, when you are at the age of 36, you never know when it's going to be the last one. It's obvious, but I don't like to talk about that because I am not in that mood now. I'm just focused on trying to play at the highest level possible and give myself the possibilities to keep being competitive and to fight for anything. That's my goal now. I'm not thinking about it being my last time here. I am happy doing what I am doing. I'm looking forward to keeping doing this."

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A "highly motivated" Rafael Nadal called rival Novak Djokovic's much-anticipated return to the Australian Open "good for tennis" on Wednesday, dismissing suggestions that it could be his final appearance at the season-opening Grand Slam.

A "highly motivated" Rafael Nadal called rival Novak Djokovic's much-anticipated return to the Australian Open "good for tennis" on Wednesday, dismissing suggestions that it could be his final appearance at the season-opening Grand Slam. The 36-year-old Spaniard, who recently became a father, is kicking off his new season at the United Cup, a new mixed-teams event that kicks off Thursday in Sydney, Brisbane, and Perth. It will serve as a warm-up for his defence of the Australian Open title next month at Melbourne Park, where he defeated Russian Daniil Medvedev in an epic five-setter earlier this year. That triumph came after archrival and nine-time Australian Open champion Novak Djokovic was detained and deported ahead of the tournament for refusing to get vaccinated for Covid-19. Australia has since lifted its requirement for visitors to show proof of vaccination against Covid. The Serb arrived back in the country on Tuesday for the first time since being turfed out. Also Read | Karim Benzema was fit but sent home prematurely: Benzema's agent lashes out at France boss Deschamps Nadal, who has a record men's 22 Grand Slam titles to Djokovic's 21, said he was happy to see his superstar rival back. "Novak is here, good for tennis, good for probably the fans," the world number two said in Sydney. "Let's see, no? Best players on the court always win." Fifth-ranked Djokovic will begin his quest for an incredible 10th title at Melbourne Park at the Adelaide International from Sunday. In 2004, Nadal made his Australian Open debut. He is now a father, and given his history of injuries, he was asked if this was his final trip to Australia. "As a professional, you never know, hopefully not," he said. Also Read | Iranian woman competes without hijab at international chess tournament "I mean, when you are at the age of 36, you never know when it's going to be the last one. It's obvious, but I don't like to talk about that because I am not in that mood now. I'm just focused on trying to play at the highest level possible and give myself the possibilities to keep being competitive and to fight for anything. That's my goal now. I'm not thinking about it being my last time here. I am happy doing what I am doing. I'm looking forward to keeping doing this." WATCH WION LIVE HERE You can now write for wionews.com and be a part of the community. Share your stories and opinions with us here.

Australian Open 2023: Novak Djokovic back in Australia, 'highly motivated' Nadal ready for Serbian challenge

Serbian tennis ace Novak Djokovic is all set to take part in the Australian Open next year as he is likely to be granted a visa. The Australian authorities have decided to revoke the three-year ban imposed on him last year and allow him to participate in the tournament.&nbsp;

Djokovic missed the competition last year due to a visa issue and was deported from Australia for not being vaccinated against COVID-19. In January this year, Djokovic's visa was cancelled after he landed in Australia for the Australian Open with an 'exemption permission'.

He was later deported from the country after fighting a legal battle and was handed a three-year ban from entering Australia, casting doubts over his participation in the Australian Open in 2023. However, the Australian government has now reportedly decided to overturn the ban despite the 21-time Grand Slam champion still being unvaccinated.

Also Read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/cant-defend-that-former-man-utd-defender-rio-ferdinand-after-cristiano-ronaldos-explosive-interview-534297">Can't defend that: Former Man Utd defender Rio Ferdinand after Cristiano Ronaldo's explosive interview</a>

As per Australia's national broadcaster ABC and several other leading Aussie outlets, the Australian government is keen on overturning Djokovic's ban to allow him to participate in the 2023 edition of the tournament. Reports suggest Australian Immigration Minister&nbsp;Andrew Giles has decided to give the nod to Djokovic to return to the country next year.

The Australian government had revoked Djokovic's visa and deported him earlier this year citing 'health and good order grounds'. The deportation resulted in Djokovic failing to launch a title defence at the Australian Open as his arch-rival Rafael Nadal went on to clinch the tournament to bag his 21st Grand Slam crown.

Also Read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/photos/novak-djokovic-deported-how-entire-australian-open-visa-saga-unfolded-445238">Novak Djokovic deported: How entire Australian Open visa saga unfolded</a>

Djokovic, who has won the Australian Open nine times in his career so far, was asked about his horrid experience in Australia this year during an interview with a Serbian website. The 21-Grand Slam champion said he is over what had happened and just wants to play tennis going forward.

"I am over what happened this year and I just want to play tennis, it is what I do best. Australia has always been the place where I have played my best tennis, the results speak for themselves, so I am always extra motivated to go there. This time even more so. I am hoping for a positive answer," Djokovic said.

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Serbian tennis ace Novak Djokovic is all set to take part in the Australian Open next year as he is likely to be granted a visa. The Australian authorities have decided to revoke the three-year ban imposed on him last year and allow him to participate in the tournament.

Serbian tennis ace Novak Djokovic is all set to take part in the Australian Open next year as he is likely to be granted a visa. The Australian authorities have decided to revoke the three-year ban imposed on him last year and allow him to participate in the tournament. Djokovic missed the competition last year due to a visa issue and was deported from Australia for not being vaccinated against COVID-19. In January this year, Djokovic's visa was cancelled after he landed in Australia for the Australian Open with an 'exemption permission'. He was later deported from the country after fighting a legal battle and was handed a three-year ban from entering Australia, casting doubts over his participation in the Australian Open in 2023. However, the Australian government has now reportedly decided to overturn the ban despite the 21-time Grand Slam champion still being unvaccinated. Also Read: Can't defend that: Former Man Utd defender Rio Ferdinand after Cristiano Ronaldo's explosive interview As per Australia's national broadcaster ABC and several other leading Aussie outlets, the Australian government is keen on overturning Djokovic's ban to allow him to participate in the 2023 edition of the tournament. Reports suggest Australian Immigration Minister Andrew Giles has decided to give the nod to Djokovic to return to the country next year. The Australian government had revoked Djokovic's visa and deported him earlier this year citing 'health and good order grounds'. The deportation resulted in Djokovic failing to launch a title defence at the Australian Open as his arch-rival Rafael Nadal went on to clinch the tournament to bag his 21st Grand Slam crown. Also Read: Novak Djokovic deported: How entire Australian Open visa saga unfolded Djokovic, who has won the Australian Open nine times in his career so far, was asked about his horrid experience in Australia this year during an interview with a Serbian website. The 21-Grand Slam champion said he is over what had happened and just wants to play tennis going forward. "I am over what happened this year and I just want to play tennis, it is what I do best. Australia has always been the place where I have played my best tennis, the results speak for themselves, so I am always extra motivated to go there. This time even more so. I am hoping for a positive answer," Djokovic said. ×

Novak Djokovic will be allowed to participate in the 2023 Australian Open after ban overturned - Reports