Novak Djokovic progresses to second round with a straight sets win over Aljaz Bedene
Novak Djokovic started his bid for a record fifth Australian Open title with a 6-3, 6-2, 6-4 win over qaulifier Aljaz Bedene. The Slovenian was solid on his serve in the first set as he went down the tee on a few occasions trying to unsettle the Serb on both the Ad and the deuce courts. Bedene had couple of chances to go ahead in the early goings of the set, but Djokovic hung tight to ward off his challenge. Bedene was not letting the four time Australian Open challenge dictate points as he returned whatever Djokovic threw at him with interest.
The No. 1 started to read his opponent’s serve better as the set went on and got the crucial break in the eight game to go 5-3 up. He then served out a love game to take the opening set in 36 minutes.
It was a perfect start for the Serb in the second set as he broke Bedene’s serve in the first game. The World No. 1 broke the Slovenian’s serve again in the seventh game to lead 5-2. Djokovic served beautifully and came close to winning the set without dropping a point on his serve, but a lapse his concentration gave a slight opening to Bedene at 30-30 in the eighth game. However, Djokovic did not let Bedene back into the set and won the next two points to take a two set lead.
Bedene found his service rhythm back in the third set, but Djokovic did not have face much troubles on his returns. He broke the Slovenian’s serve once in the third set and it was sufficient for the No.1 seed to reach the second round in Melbourne.
Djokovic will face the winner of the match between Andrey Kuznetsov and Albert Ramos –Vinolas in the second round.