Novak Djokovic sweeps aside opponent to reach second round at the Australian Open
Top seed looking to make history
Your support helps us to tell the story
From reproductive rights to climate change to Big Tech, The Independent is on the ground when the story is developing. Whether it's investigating the financials of Elon Musk's pro-Trump PAC or producing our latest documentary, 'The A Word', which shines a light on the American women fighting for reproductive rights, we know how important it is to parse out the facts from the messaging.
At such a critical moment in US history, we need reporters on the ground. Your donation allows us to keep sending journalists to speak to both sides of the story.
The Independent is trusted by Americans across the entire political spectrum. And unlike many other quality news outlets, we choose not to lock Americans out of our reporting and analysis with paywalls. We believe quality journalism should be available to everyone, paid for by those who can afford it.
Your support makes all the difference.Novak Djokovic's bid to make history at the Australian Open started impressively today as the world number one swept aside the challenge of Paul-Henri Mathieu.
Djokovic is hoping to become the first man in the Open era to win three successive titles in Melbourne and looked in ominously good form from the outset with an entertaining 6-2 6-4 7-5 win over the experienced Frenchman.
There were also wins on day one for seeds Tomas Berdych, Nicolas Almagro, Stanislas Warwinka and Kei Nishikori.
Mathieu, a former top-12 player, held his own for much of the second and third sets but Djokovic always appeared in control on his first competitive appearance on Rod Laver Arena since his thrilling near six-hour final win over Rafael Nadal last year.
The Serbian set the tone in the opening game by breaking and claimed the Mathieu serve once again courtesy of a stunning backhand pass to establish a 4-1 first-set advantage.
He duly saw out the set and then broke again to open the second.
Mathieu threatened an immediate response but some booming serves from Djokovic enabled him to escape from 0-40.
Serve held sway for the rest of the set as it did in the third until Djokovic upped his level with a series of stunning winners to take a 6-5 lead.
And from there, there was no way back for Mathieu as Djokovic advanced to a meeting with American Ryan Harrison.
Djokovic enjoyed his return to the biggest arena at Melbourne Park.
He said: "It's great to be back in Melbourne, this is by far my most successful court in my grand slam career.
"Twelve months ago I played a six-hour final here so it's amazing to be back."
Czech Berdych, seeded five in Melbourne, enjoyed a routine 6-3 7-5 6-3 win over Michael Russell but Almagro was pushed all the way by American qualifier Steve Johnson.
Johnson matched the 10th-seeded Spaniard for much of their three hour, 10 minute-encounter before Almagro's greater experience proved key in his 7-5 6-7 (4/7) 6-2 6-7 (6/8) 6-2 victory.
Wawrinka beat German Cedrik-Marcel Stebe in straight sets while Nishikori hit back from dropping the opener to see off Victor Hanescu.
PA
Join our commenting forum
Join thought-provoking conversations, follow other Independent readers and see their replies
Comments