Making a shock withdrawal from the exhibition match of Australian Open due to severe blisters on his right hand, Novak Djokovic made a U-turn and suddenly re-appeared midway through the encounter in Adelaide, replacing Filip Krajinović.
The World number one apologized for the initial withdrawal from the match and showed no sign of discomfort after taking to court against Jannik Sinner at the Memorial Drive. Djokovic won the set against Sinner by 6-3 and thanked everyone for their support.
OUT: Krajinovic 🇷🇸
IN: @DjokerNole 🇷🇸After taking the opening set 6-3, Krajinovic substitutes with the World No.1 at #AdelaideTennis 🙌 pic.twitter.com/0HlNocEuFo
— #AusOpen (@AustralianOpen) January 29, 2021
Meanwhile, Melbourne Summer Series is set to kick off from 31 January till 7 February with the first match to be played between Ash Barty and Nick Kyrgios. Playing at the Margaret Court Arena Zone in Melbourne Park, more than 250 players will compete for a huge prize money, making it the biggest ever lead-in week to the Australian Open. The best part of this tournament is that fans can enter the stadium and cheer for their favourite players in the Melbourne Summer Series.
Be a part of history.
For the first time ever, the 𝗠𝗲𝗹𝗯𝗼𝘂𝗿𝗻𝗲 𝗦𝘂𝗺𝗺𝗲𝗿 𝗦𝗲𝗿𝗶𝗲𝘀 is here 🎾
— #AusOpen (@AustralianOpen) January 28, 2021