Djokovic begins in style

Novak Djokovic, six time winner of the Aus Open, but because of his injury leaving him off the tour for the last half of 2017, seeded only 14, is playing his first match against American Donald Young.

Young is ranked 62 but is capable of causing problems for the top players, not necessarily beating them.

Novak lost just one point in his first two service games while it was a bit more of a struggle for Young who was taken to deuce before an ace clinched his opening serve.

2-1 Djokovic.

Novak took advantage of the second of two break points in the fourth game and led 3-1.

An easy game, helped by unforced errors from Young, consolidated the break and saw Djokovic extend his lead to 4-1.

Young was broken to love and presented Djokovic the chance to serve for the set.

Unsurprisingly the set was over 6-1 in 24 minutes - this match is unlikely to last as long as the Kicker Thompson affair.

As hard as Young challenged Djokovic in the opening game of set two, and saved a number of break points, he couldn’t cope with the irresistible backhands supplied from the Serb who led 1-0.

After consolidating the break, Novak decided to break again, including in the game a fabulous defensive backhand winner on the final point.

A typical Djokovic backhand set up a break point which was converted and 5-0 was the outcome.

Amazingly Djokovic was broken when serving for the set, a healthy dose of energy for Young who promptly held serve for the first time in the set for 2-5.

A better attempt when serving a second time for the set and Djokovic led 6-1 6-2.

Young traversed a break point and for the first time led a set 1-0.

Young saved another break point in the third game following Novak holding serve. He saved a second, but not the third thanks to a Djokovic backhand winner. 2-1 to the 14th seed.

Games continued on serve and Djokovic led 4-2 with Young to deliver next.

Young saved five match points in the ninth game with him serving at 3-5

Three forehand winners set up match points for Djokovic and he proceeded to win 6-1 6-2 6-4. A highly acceptable start to another launch at an Aus Open trophy - this time a seventh.