Djokovic: It feels so great to be back

Novak Djokovic admits he didn’t know a month ago whether his reoccurring elbow injury would allow him to compete in the Australian Open.
Djokovic made a winning return to Margaret Court Arena on Tuesday as he came through an easier than expected first round match against Donald Young.
The Serbian player, who has fallen to 14th in the world, needed just 111 minutes to dispatch Young 6-1, 6-2, 6-4.
It was a good start to the tournament for the six-time champion, who admits a month ago he wasn’t sure whether he would step onto the court.
“It feels so great to be back on the tennis court, there is no better place for me to start playing after six months of injury, I love it here,’ said Djokovic.
“It has been a long period without tennis for me. I had a lot on my hands with my new baby.
“I was absent for one month maximum ever since I started so it was different. The injury was with me for a while and it escalated around Roland Garros and Wimbledon, but it allowed me to spend more time with my family.
“The first match after six months you don’t know how you are going to start. I came onto the court with the right emotion. I didn’t know a month ago if my elbow would allow me to compete.”
Latest
-
Tennis Features
Notable Australian Open qualifiers: From Tsvetana Pironkova and Francesca Jones to Bernard Tomic
Oli Jefford gives you the lowdown on the notable Australian Open qualifiers.
-
WTA Tour
‘I’m really happy to keep winning,’ says Aryna Sabalenka after capturing third title in a row
Another tournament, another title for Aryna Sabalenka.
-
News
Francesca Jones overcame injury and ‘wee mental breakdown’ ahead of Australian Open qualifying
The 20-year-old is in the main draw of the Australian Open.
-
Tennis News
Naomi Osaka backed to win ‘another five to 10 majors as she that all-court game right’
How many Grand Slams will Naomi Osaka win?
-
News
Francesca Jones reaches maiden Grand Slam main draw after coming through Australian Open qualifying
Jones secured a 6-0, 6-1 victory.
-
ATP Tour
‘I’m fired up,’ says Sebastian Korda after beating Cameron Norrie to reach maiden ATP Tour final
Sebastian Korda too good for Cameron Norrie.
-
Tennis News
‘You have left us here heartbroken’ – Juan Martin del Potro’s poignant tribute to his late father
An emotional letter from Juan Martin del Potro.
-
ATP Tour
‘Real fortunate to get through,’ says Cameron Norrie after beating Frances Tiafoe at Delray Beach Open
Cameron Norrie continues great run at Delray Beach.
-
Australian Open
Strict Australian Open quarantine regulations announced and those who flout rules face heavy fines
Officials will come down hard on those who flout rules.
-
Tennis Today
Tennis Today: Player in face mask U-turn, Rafael Nadal’s cousins following in his footsteps
Tennis Today features Osaka and Nadal.