Former CEO of Tennis Australia believes Novak Djokovic finished 2022 as "the best player on the planet"

Former World No.1 Novak Djokovic made his return to tennis courts in Australia today with a doubles match, teaming with Canadian Vasek Pospisil at the Adelaide International 1.

It wasn't a successful endeavor as the duo lost to the pairing of Tomislav Brkic and Gonzalo Escobar. However, it did mark a symbolic comeback after his deportation last year. Paul McNamee, the former CEO of the Australian Open, took to social media to welcome the Serbian back Down Under.

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"Good to see Novak Djokovic back on court in Australia," wrote McNamee on Twitter. "After all, he finished 2022 as the best player on the planet, arguably the most complete athlete in the world and, as a person, with a holistic approach and generosity of spirit which is often overlooked. Welcome back Novak."

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Despite his loss at the dobles event, Djokovic is also set to compete in singles at Adelaide. The 21-time Grand Slam champion is hoping to pick up from where he left off last season, as he looks to win a record-trying 22nd Major title.