Zverev and Djokovic practice ahead of ATP Cup, as German defends world No.1 against 'bad guy' portrayal

Alexander Zverev and Novak Djokovic had their first practice sessions in Melbourne on Saturday; their first time on court in the city since completing their quarantine. On Friday, Zverev defended Djokovic after the world number one received a flurry of bad press in Australia.

The Serb complained to the tournament organisers about the strict quarantine conditions on arrival to the county.

German Zverev vouched for Djokovic's desire to protect player welfare.

'We were all in a group chat. Novak was just there as a leader and as the number one player in the world and he sent the letter out.

It was not his own letter, it was the points that were asked by other players.

''He was again portrayed as the bad guy, which is not true because he was just standing up for others," said Zverev, according to a Eurosport report.