Novak Djokovic commenced the new tennis season on a high note, mirroring his last season's success by clinching a win to secure Serbia's 1-0 lead over China in a preliminary United Cup mixed teams tennis tournament match.
Following his victorious close to the previous season at the 2023 ATP Finals against Jannik Sinner, Djokovic started his first match of the new season in Perth by defeating Zhang Zhizhen with a score of 6-3, 6-2. This victory provided Serbia with a 1-0 advantage in the Group clash against China. Djokovic displayed formidable prowess, dominating the match for 74 minutes, marking his maiden ATP head-to-head encounter with Zhang.
Expressing his gratitude to the audience, Djokovic acknowledged the significance of being in Perth, reminiscing about his last appearance there a decade ago. He praised the RAC Arena and highlighted Australia as his "happy place," particularly Melbourne, where he achieved numerous Grand Slam victories.
During the match, Djokovic capitalized on three of the seven break points he earned, delighting Serbian supporters in the arena. His win extends his record to 17-1 in season-opening matches since 2007, showcasing his consistent performance at the start of each season.
The 36-year-old Serbian tennis star is set to play alongside Olga Danilovic in the mixed doubles later in the evening, aiming to secure another victory before the year concludes.
Despite Djokovic's triumph, China aims to recover swiftly to secure a spot in the quarterfinals in their United Cup debut. WTA World No.15 Zheng Qinwen is anticipated to lead China's resurgence as she prepares to face No.104 Danilovic in the WTA singles match, following China's initial 3-0 win against the Czech Republic.
Reflecting on his performance, Djokovic acknowledged initial rustiness but attributed it to the natural process of readjustment after a month without official matches. He emphasized his serve's effectiveness in crucial moments, aiding him during tight situations in the game.
(With Agency Inputs)
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