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Novak Djokovic begins his Australian Open defence with a straight-sets win

Novak Djokovic has begun the defence of his Australian Open title with a comfortable straight-set...



Novak Djokovic begins his Aust...
Golf

Novak Djokovic begins his Australian Open defence with a straight-sets win

Novak Djokovic has begun the defence of his Australian Open title with a comfortable straight-sets win over Fernando Verdasco.

The Serbian star, who is looking to win his seventh Australian Open, defeated his Spanish opponent 6-1, 7-6, 6-2. Verdasco, whose ranking has fallen in recent years has reached at least the quarter-final stages of three of tennis' four Grand Slams, including the 2009 Australian Open semi-finals.

There were no shocks in the men's draw as Rafael Nadal, also record a straight-sets win to reach the second round. The Spaniard defeated Florian Mayer 6-3, 6-4. 6-4 to advance.

Serena Williams, looking for a record 23rd Grand Slam title is also through to the Second Round, in the Women's draw. Last year's runner-up was too strong for Switzerland's Belinda Bencic conceding seven games along the way.

The biggest shock of the day came when former US Open champion  and home favourite Samantha Stosur was knocked out by the unseeded Heather Watson in three sets. The British star shocked Stosur to win the final set 6-0 to silence the partisan crowd.

Day Three of the Australian Open sees the Second Round commence with Women's champion Angelique Kerber and Men's top seed Andy Murray in action. Venus Williams and Roger Federer will also be among the players looking to reach the Third Round. 

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