Adelaide Exhibition: Djokovic withdraws - and then plays
Novak Djokovic withdrew injured shortly before his show match against Jannik Sinner - in the second set he was on the field.
by Florian Goosmann
last edit: Jan 29, 2021, 08:09 am
Big disappointment in Adelaide: Shortly before the "A Day at the Drive" show tournament, superstar Novak Djokovic withdrew - allegedly because of blisters on his flapping hand, "nothing that should endanger the Australian summer for him," it said. Substitute Filip Krajinovic was allowed to play against Jannik Sinner - at least until the Djoker suddenly picked up the bat in the second round.
Krajinovic / Djokovic won 6: 3, 6: 3 in a joint performance in front of spectators. "Thank you for coming here," said Djokovic afterwards. "We haven't played in front of such an audience in 12 months, it's something very special."
After months of tough lockdown, Australia was able to keep its corona infection numbers to a minimum, travelers have to go through a 14-day quarantine, after which a normal life is possible "Down Under" again.
"I had a couple of treatments from my physio and hadn't felt in my best condition in the past few days," Djokovic apologized.
Serena Williams wins against Osaka
Then Serena Williams won against Naomi Osaka 6: 2, 2: 6, [10: 7].
"Thank you for letting us come. We are so happy to be here," said Williams in an on-court interview about the opportunity to play in front of spectators again. "Thank you for coming," said Osaka. "I haven't seen people in what feels like a long time."
The Night Session continues: Here Dominic Thiem meets Rafael Nadal - from 9.30 a.m. live on Eurosport and in the tennisnet ticker !
Ashleigh Barty then meets Simona Halep.