Djokovic starts 2023 with a win in singles
Novak Djokovic continued his winning streak in singles matches in Australia with a 6-3, 6-2 win over France’s Constant Lestein on Tuesday in the first round of the Adelaide International. It was top seed Djokovic’s 30th consecutive singles win on Australian soil since 2018. It was Djokovic’s first singles match of the season after suffering a doubles defeat on Monday. If he continues his winning streak, he could face seventh-ranked Daniil Medvedev in the semi-finals.
In the first round match against Medvedev, Italy’s Lorenzo Sonego withdrew due to injury. Medvedev was leading 7-6, 2-1 when play was stopped. Djokovic was again given a warm welcome by the spectators in Adelaide, where he won the tournament at the age of 19. The 21-time Grand Slam champion was deported from Australia last year ahead of the Australian Open for not getting vaccinated for COVID-19. Asked about returning to Australia, Djokovic said, “What you focus on, you become.” If I focus on negativity, that’s what I attract, so I don’t want to do that. I don’t have any complaints.