You have to be Djoking: Novak Djokovic withdraws, then returns to play exhbition in Adelaide

After suddenly pulling out of an exhibition match with 15 minutes notice, Novak Djokovic turned up midgame to play.

It is not exactly Lazarus-like but Novak Djokovic has made a shock comeback to the court at the Day at the Drive event in Adelaide.

After finishing 14-days of quarantine the World No. 1 was scheduled to take on Jannik Sinner in the first match of the exhibition event at Memorial Drive – part of the deal to allow Djokovic and other tennis super stars to quarantine in Adelaide.

But minutes before the match it was announced Djokovic was a late withdrawal because of blisters on his right hand he would be replaced by fellow Serb Filip Krajinovic.

The world No. 31 played the first set, winning 6-3 but come the second set there was another surprise.

Blisters visible on Novak Djokovic’s hands after he changed his mind and turned up fopr the match.

The cameras at Memorial Drive showed world No. 1 Djokovic clutching two racquets in the players entrance, and to the delight of a 4000 strong crowd the World No. 1 emerged to take on Sinner in the second set.

Filip Krajinovic of Serbia and Novak Djokovic chat after Novak took over Filips game against Jannik Sinner of Italy during the 'A Day at the Drive' exhibition tournament at Memorial Drive in ADelaide. Picture: Mark Brake/Getty Images

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

DJOKOVIC QUIZZED ON KYRGIOS ‘TOOL’ SWIPE

Earlier, at a press call, Djokovic wasn’t interested in engaging in talks about a feud with Aussie Nick Kyrgios after being let out of hotel quarantine.

Djokovic along with Dominic Thiem, Rafael Nadal, Serena Williams and Naomi Osaka have exited their 14-day quarantine from a North Adelaide hotel.

Earlier this month Djokovic sent a letter to Tennis Australia CEO Craig Tiley, which included a list of “suggestions” for easing restrictions for those players in hard lockdown in Melbourne.

Kyrgios responded by calling the Serbian a “tool”.

It was one of many swipes Kyrgios has taken at Djokovic throughout his career.

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Novak Djokovic was mobbed by media and fans in Wellington Square, North Adelaide, after his quarantine ended at Majestic Suites. Picture: NCA NewsWire/Dean Martin

The Serbian superstar even had a crack a handballing a footy with Crows AFLW champion Erin Phillips. Picture: NCA NewsWire/Dean Martin

However, now free of restrictions, Djokovic wasn’t buying into the Kyrgios talk.

“The letter that I sent to Craig that was leaked was a private letter with suggestions, I see it was portrayed as demands and that is not true,” Djokovic said on Friday.

“I just suggested a few things for the guys stuck in Melbourne like equipment.

“But it was misconstrued and I understand that there is a lot of anger and suffering happening at the moment for people inside and outside of Australia because of what everyone is experiencing.

“So many people are losing their jobs and all you can do is have compassion and send them my support.”

Well this is something you don’t see every day. Novak Djokovic on a park bench in North Adelaide pic.twitter.com/IAxSKnlr2F

— Simeon Thomas-Wilson (@Simeon_TW) January 28, 2021

Djokovic said it was a strange feeling to now be out and about in Adelaide.

He walked barefoot in the park at Wellington Square and was gifted bottles of wine and a painting by fans.

“I think we take it for granted these days to be free to be able to walk on the ground,” he said.

“It’s great to be out. We had to do it. It was fine here in Adelaide. I must say we trained well. We had four and half hours to train and be outside with the fresh air.

“We are just thrilled to be out. It feels just a little bit strange to be honest.

“Will I have some time by myself? (That) is the first thought.

“I’m just trying to go about everyday life.

Djokovic on his balcony during quarantine. Picture: AFP Photo

“At the end of the day we are out, we are trying to play tennis and bring some good positive emotions to people, that’s why we are here to provide entertainment, passion and fun.

“Comparing to quite a large group of players who are still in full lockdown I empathise with them.

“These guys and girls will definitely have a disadvantage, they have done some training in their rooms.

“It is great the ATP, WTA and Tennis Australia have moved the start date of the lead up tournaments back.

Meanwhile, world No. 3 Dominic Thiem says he feels sorry for his counterparts who have had to endure a hard quarantine in Melbourne.

Thiem said he was hopeful the players would be ready for Grand Slam tennis despite having to quarantine.

“Yeah we have been practising for a few hours a day so we are ready,” he said.

“It is unlucky that they are in hard quarantine but I wish them all the best.”