Novak Djokovic sizzles in ATP Cup return

Eight-time Australian Open champion Novak Djokovic has begun the 2021 season in strong fashion with a straight sets triumph over Canadian Denis Shapovalov in the ATP Cup

Novak Djokovic stretches to hit a return against Denis Shapovalov during the ATP Cup on Tuesday Picture: AFP

Novak Djokovic found himself the centre of a quarantine furore last month.

A distraction? Not at all as there is no-one better on court when backed into a corner.

The world No 1 extended his unbeaten run on Australian soil to 21 wins when he outlasted Canadian Denis Shapovalov in the ATP Cup in Melbourne on Tuesday.

The left-handed Shapovalov possesses an explosive array of shots and performed admirably against the eight-time Australian Open champion.

But as well as he played, the Canadian was unable to find a way through the greatest brick wall men’s tennis has seen, with Djokovic prevailing 7-5 7-5 in an entertaining rubber.

Importantly, Djokovic showed no signs of discomfort from the blister on his hand that saw him play only one set in an exhibition event in Adelaide on Friday.

Djokovic has claimed the past two Australian Opens in that run of 21 wins and was unbeaten in six singles rubbers when leading Serbia to an inaugural ATP Cup success in Sydney last year.

“It is a great opening of the season. It was a very close match,” he said.

“Playing Shapo is always a great challenge on hardcourts. He is such a dynamic, explosive player who is very talented. There is a great future ahead of him for sure.”

The Serbian was pilloried after requesting better measures for his peers who were in strict lockdown in Melbourne last month.

The criticism was overblown, particularly given the Serbian now heads the Professional Tennis Players Association and is tasked with representing players.

Many have since spoken in support of Djokovic, who has drawn criticism for other missteps including the ill-fated Adria Tour last June which led to several players becoming infected with COVID-19.

What the world No 1 has proven repeatedly throughout his career is that he thrives when in the centre of a storm.

The short back-and-sides haircut and meticulous dress sense masks a street fighter as ruthless as the game as seen.

Questions about his temperament in the infancy of his career seem foolhardy now with his track record of winning tight matches such as his ATP Cup clash against Shapovalov.

Little separated the pair in both sets, but with the pressure at its highest, Djokovic tightened his game and watched as his rival made mistakes on key points.

A beauty of the ATP Cup is that it pits the world’s best tennis players against each other in the infancy of a season.

Djokovic, clearly, is determined not to give his rivals any ammunition to think he is beatable in the Australian Open and has started the season strongly.

“I think it is a great competition,” he said.

“We need more competitions where we represent the team, represent the country. It is probably something I am looking forward to the most.

“The ATP Cup, the Davis Cup, those are competitions that are very valued by the players.

This is the best way to kickstart the season. We root for each other. You have guys in your corner. I am enjoying it.”

Milos Raonic gave Canada the early lead in the opening tie of the ATP Cup on Rod Laver Arena when defeating Dusan Lajovic 6-3 6-4.

But the 17-time major champion Djokovic returned to the court to lead Serbia to victory in the deciding doubles rubber.