Top-seeded Novak Djokovic took his first steps toward a sixth Australian Open title with a 6-3, 6-2, 6-4 win over Chung Hyeon of South Korea at Rod Laver Arena.
Djokovic won the Australian Open last year — he's a 5-0 in finals at Melbourne Park — lost the French Open final to Stan Wawrinka, then won Wimbledon and the US Open to cap an outstanding year.
On Monday afternoon in temperatures of 34 Celsius (93 Fahrenheit), Djokovic became annoyed with himself and his play at times, including three double-faults. He backhanded his racket to the ground in the seventh game of the second set after missing a shot that could have given him set point.
He went on to clinch the second set in the next game and later wrapped up the match in 1 hour, 55 minutes.
(Sources form Philstar.com and Philippinemavericks.com)