Dominant Djokovic on fire in easy first-up Australian Open win

Novak Djokovic refused to get sidetracked by sapping heat as he eased past Chung Hyeon to kick off his quest for a record-equalling sixth Australian Open title on Monday.
The Serb world number one handled the blistering heat and the 19-year-old South Korean to post an accomplished 6-3, 6-2, 6-4 victory in 1hr 55mins on Rod Laver Arena which at times left him puffing and reaching for the ice vests and water.

Despite the sizzling on-court temperatures, the top seed sent out a chilling warning to his rivals as he set out to equal Australian Roy Emerson's record of six Australian Open crowns.

Djokovic once had a reputation for quitting matches mid-way due to a variety of ailments, including at the 2009 Australian Open when he retired against Andy Roddick citing cramps, fatigue and dizziness, but definitely not any more.

"You try to stay composed, not get carried away by heat, get distracted," Djokovic said of Monday's physical challenge.

"Of course, there were some long rallies, long exchanges that got both of us a little bit short on air. But I think physically I was really good on the court.

"I managed to play the best tennis when I needed to."
Djokovic looked in ominous touch, sending the 52nd-ranked Chung scurrying around the court chasing lost causes amid the fusillade of the Serb's dazzling array of shots.

The 28-year-old Serb is yet to drop a set this year and his performance in the Qatar Open final was described as "perfect" by his one of big rivals, Rafael Nadal.

"It's an absolute pleasure to come back to Rod Laver Arena, it's the most successful court in my career and there have been many memorable moments in the matches I've played here," he said.

Djokovic unfurled some of his famed leg-split volleys and hit 40 winners, 20 off his rapier forehand.

He was also clinical at the net, winning 15 from 15 points as well as dominating first serve points at 89 percent.

The number one was effusive about his Korean opponent, saying he was a potential top player of the future.

"His baseline game is very good, very solid, especially from the backhand side. Very flat, strong backhand, solid shots, both angles," Djokovic said.

"Once he gets into the good rhythm, he can serve well. He's a pretty tall guy. For somebody of his height, he moves very well, as well.

"He's one of the players people are talking about as a potential top player in the future. He's got that potential, no question about it.

"He needs experience, he needs more time."

The top seed's bid for a calendar-year Grand Slam fell just short during a brilliant 2015 season.

He wore down Andy Murray to win last year's final at Melbourne Park, and won three Grand Slams among 11 tournament victories in a stellar season, with a win-loss record of 82-6.

The 10-time Grand Slam champion is projected to face Japan's seventh seed Kei Nishikori in the quarters and Switzerland's 17-time major winner Roger Federer in the semi-finals.

Source: AFP