Djokovic defeated his Chinese opponent in the first match of the new season

AUSTRALIA'S Novak Djokovic started the new season with a 6-3, 6-2 victory over Zhang Zhizhen at the United Cup team tournament on December 31.

Djokovic's great attraction when he first came to Perth after 10 years caused all tickets for the Serbia - China match to be sold out from the morning. Nole did not disappoint Australian fans on the year-end evening, with two wins in the men's singles and mixed doubles matches.

Djokovic hits a backhand in the match against Zhang Zhizhen at RAC Arena, Perth, Australia on December 31. Photo: ATP

Facing Zhang Zhizhen, China's strongest promoted player in 2023, Djokovic only needed 74 minutes to win 6-3, 6-2. The 36-year-old tennis player won 86% of the first ball points, 67% of the second ball points and did not have to save any break points. He took advantage of three of the seven game-winning opportunities to catch the ball to help Serbia lead 1-0 against China.

"I haven't had any official matches in more than a month, so I'm slow in getting into the game," Nole said after the match. "He and I both served well. I started to find a rhythm after winning the ball-receiving game in the middle of the first set."

Female tennis player Zheng Qinwen equalized the total score of 1-1 in the match between the two teams, defeating Olga Danilovic 6-4, 6-2. In the deciding doubles match, Djokovic and Danilovic beat Zhang Zhizhen and Zheng Qinwen 6-4, 1-6, 10-6 to help Serbia overcome China 2-1.

The doubles match ended just about four minutes before New Year's Eve in Australia. After the match, Djokovic invited the audience to stay on the court to celebrate the new year with him. "It's been 10 years since I last came to Perth," Nole said. "This court is always great. Australia is my happy destination, where I won the most Grand Slams in Melbourne."

The United Cup consists of six groups, each with three teams. The six best teams advance to the quarterfinals along with two second-place teams with good records. Serbia holds a great advantage moving forward. In the final round of the group stage, Djokovic and his teammates will meet the Czech Republic - the team lost 0-3 to China in the first round.