The 34-year-old Serb won in two sets, 6-3, 6-3 and in 1h14 after his first match since the beginning of December in Dubai, where he is back to defend his threatened place of World N.1 .
In January, his participation in Melbourne was canceled after a long standoff with the Australian authorities because he was not vaccinated against the coronavirus.
Entering the center court of the Dubai Duty Free Stadium around 10:15 p.m. local time (7:15 p.m. French time) before the start of the match 15 minutes later, the Serbian champion was welcomed to the applause of the public.
The reunion made, it did not take long to get back into the bath of competition, winning the first set in 36 minutes in front of the 58th in the world.
Flags bearing the image of "Djoko" were then waved and "Novak" launched from the stands.
“Thank you very much for your support and the way you welcomed me,” said Djokovic after the match, who could “not choose a better place to start my season”.
The second set was more contested, but Djokovic at 3-2, saved a 4th break point against the Italian and let his rage to win explode several times, before finally winning again 6-3.
"I must be happy with my tennis, especially after not playing for almost three months," he added.
Novak Djokovic serving against the Italian Lorenzo Musetti in Dubai for his return to competition, February 21, 2022 Karim SAHIB AFP
In Dubai, the world No.1 can participate in the tournament because a coronavirus vaccine is not mandatory to enter the Emirates.
The Serb will face in the second round the winner of the match scheduled for Tuesday between Russian Karen Khachanov (26th in the world) and Australian Alex de Minaur (32nd).
© 2022 AFP