Djokovic, Murray triumph as weather plays havoc at Australian Open

(FILES) This file photo taken on February 16, 2021 shows Serbia’s Novak Djokovic reacting as he plays against Germany’s Alexander Zverev during their men’s singles quarter-final match on day nine of the Australian Open tennis tournament in Melbourne. – Tennis superstar Novak Djokovic’s legal battle to stay in Australia and chase a record 21st Grand Slam opened on January 10, 2022, but public online access was delayed by a technical glitch, a court spokesman said. (Photo by Paul CROCK / AFP) / — IMAGE RESTRICTED TO EDITORIAL USE – STRICTLY NO COMMERCIAL USE —

Novak Djokovic enjoyed a rousing reception on a winning return to the Australian Open on Tuesday and Andy Murray rolled back the years to stun Matteo Berrettini in a classic.

On a day of bans on Russian flags and weather-induced disruption, two of the sport’s biggest names belatedly brought the focus back on tennis in Melbourne.

A heavy title favourite, the 35-year-old Djokovic was back after his deportation last year because of his stance on Covid vaccines.

If the Serb was worried about how he might be received by the Melbourne Park crowd, he needn’t have been — the nine-time Australian Open champion walked out to loud cheers.

Against the backdrop of chants of “Nole”, Djokovic sent Spain’s 75th-ranked Roberto Carballes Baena packing at Rod Laver Arena, 6-3, 6-4, 6-0, to surge into round two.

“Thank you for giving me such a welcoming reception that I could only dream of,” said Djokovic, who is chasing a record-equalling 22nd major title.

“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.”

Prior to that, the day had belonged to another 35-year-old in Murray — and Melbourne’s famously fickle weather.

The