"To see the packed house for my first match was definitely a very pleasant surprise": Djokovic marks return to Australia with singles win

Novak Djokovic was pleasantly surprised about seeing a packed house for his first match in Australia but he will take it after not being able to play last year.

Djokovic was hugely disappointed about not being able to play last year but he's back this year. The reception has been a very warm one, something that he didn't necessarily expect. It's been good as his first singles match back was followed by a lot of people. He couldn't complain about that or his performance:

"For the first match, I can't complain. I played very well. I thought the first six games were very competitive and I have never faced him before. He is a counterpuncher, he doesn't make too many mistakes. He has a tricky serve, hits his spots. But once I made that break at 3-2 in the first set I thought I stepped it up and played really good tennis for the rest of the match."

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He also spoke about the great fan turnout which he appreciates. All the love and support is something he hoped for, but was unsure whether it would happen:

"To see the packed house for my first match was definitely a very pleasant surprise, and lots of support, lots of love. That obviously motivated me and allowed me to express myself in the best possible way on the court with my game. I thought I played very solid, competitive start. I think for six games, we were kind of close. He had also break point. I managed to play solid in important moments and got rewarded with the break, and after that I didn't look back. I played really well in the second set."