MELBOURNE: Novak Djokovic kicked off his 2021 season in style on his favourite Rod Laver Arena court with a clinical 7-5, 7-5 win over Canadian talent Denis Shapovalov in the ATP Cup on Tuesday.
“It’s a great opening of the season. I hope all of you who came here enjoyed it because I certainly did,” the world No 1 told a small crowd at the stadium, soaking up boisterous cheers from Serbian fans. Himself unbroken on serve, Djokovic sealed the match with a sparkling winner, scrambling to his right to whip a curling forehand passing shot down the line.Djokovic, who will bid for a record-extending ninth Australian Open title, will play in the decisive doubles as he looks to extend his unbeaten record in the ATP Cup to 10 matches.
Blasting groundstrokes metres past the baseline, the US Open champion was broken four times in a rusty display at John Cain Arena as Berrettini dominated the clash of hard-hitters.