Novak Djokovic dismissed a heckler with characteristic wit during his Australian Open warm-up victory, responding to a fan who shouted "Let's go Roger" as he prepared to serve on match point.
The 38-year-old Serbian paused mid-motion and offered a sarcastic laugh, prompting amusement from spectators at Melbourne Park.
Another voice from the opposite end of the court appeared to chime in with "I agree," though the interruption proved inconsequential.
Djokovic sealed a comfortable 6-3, 6-4 triumph over American Frances Tiafoe in just over 80 minutes after his opponent committed an error.
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The encounter served as his sole competitive outing ahead of the main tournament.
Djokovic produced an impressive display, striking 22 winners against 17 unforced errors whilst moving around the court with his trademark agility.
The performance allayed any fitness concerns following his withdrawal from the Adelaide International earlier this month.
Novak Djokovic dismissed a heckler with characteristic wit during his Australian Open warm-up victory, responding to a fan who shouted "Let's go Roger" as he prepared to serve on match point
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His last tour-level appearance came in early November when he defeated Lorenzo Musetti to claim the Athens ATP title.
The Serbian great is pursuing an 11th Australian Open crown, which would extend his own record at Melbourne Park.
Victory at this year's tournament would also deliver a historic 25th Grand Slam singles title, further cementing his claim as the greatest male player in tennis history.
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Djokovic's relationship with Australia has been marked by considerable controversy over the years.
The most dramatic episode occurred in 2022 when authorities detained and subsequently deported him due to Covid vaccination requirements, cancelling his visa on public health grounds.
Despite being the reigning champion, he was forced to miss that year's tournament following a protracted legal dispute.
The incident sparked worldwide debate concerning health policy, sporting fairness, and the rights of athletes.
He had previously drawn criticism for breaching Covid protocols during 2020 exhibitions and public events in Australia.
When Djokovic returned in 2023 with a visa waiver, sections of the Melbourne crowd continued to express hostility through booing and heckling.
Novak Djokovic will be hoping to win a 25th Grand Slam title at the Australian Open
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Despite the off-court turbulence, Djokovic has consistently separated external disputes from his performances, accumulating a record ten Australian Open titles.
The veteran acknowledged the privilege of competing at the highest level at his age, stating: "I'm trying to remind myself to not take any moment on the court for granted."
He added: "We are all battling ourselves first and then our opponent obviously on the court, but I'm just trying to remind myself of the joy I still have and a blessing to be able to play at this level at this age."
Melbourne Park and Wimbledon remain his strongest prospects for adding to his Grand Slam haul, though emerging talents Carlos Alcaraz and Jannik Sinner present formidable obstacles alongside the natural effects of ageing.