Novak Djokovic has faced an injury scare during a practice match against Daniil Medvedev ahead of the Australian Open on Wednesday.
For the first time since his deportation last year, the Serbian was working out at Melbourne Park.
Due to a hamstring injury, the former world number one said he "didn't want to risk anything" and called off his practise match.
"I just want to avoid any bigger scares before the Australian Open. I just felt it pulling and I didn't want to risk anything worse," Djokovic told 9News Melbourne.
He stated that the hamstring that had bothered him last week as he won the Adelaide International 1 title was the same one.
"I played a set and apologised to [Medvedev] and he was understanding," said Djokovic.
Djokovic was warmly welcomed in Australia as he made his return to the country to participate in the Adelaide International.
The crowd cheered and chanted "Novak, Novak" when the 21-time Grand Slam champion entered the court and continued to do so throughout the entire opening match.
Djokovic was deported about a year ago after entering the country without a COVID-19 immunisation at a period when there were still stringent quarantine rules in place and vaccination documentation requirements.
The Australian government reversed the three-year ban that came with Djokovic's deportation in November and gave him a visa to return for the Australian Open, which starts on January 16.
