Djokovic beats Mathieu and begins Australian Open title defense

Defending champion and top seed Novak Djokovic booked a place in the second round of the Australian Open 2013 after defeating Paul-Henri Mathieu of France in straight sets 6-2 6-4 7-5.

In a match that lasted 1 hour and 42 minutes, the Serb managed to break his opponent four times alltogether without dropping his own serve.

“Its amazing to be back, and this is my favourite court in the world” said the world no.1 after the match.

Djokovic will face American Ryan Harrison next, who overcame Colombian Santiago Giraldo 2-6 6-4 7-5 6-4.

In other first round matches, no.15 seed Swiss Stanislas Wawrinka eliminated German qualifier Cedrik-Marcel Stebe 6-2 6-4 6-3, 22th seeded Spaniard Fernando Verdasco needed five sets to oust Belgian David Goffin, prevailing 6-3 3-6 4-6 6-3 6-4 and no.10 seed Nicolas Almagro was pushed to the limit by American qualifier Steve Johnson, but eventually emerged victorious with a 7-5 6-7 (4) 6-2 6-7 (6) 6-2.

Tags Australian Open 2013 results Fernando Verdasco Nicolas Almagro Novak Djokovic Paul-Henri Mathieu ryan harrison Stanislas Wawrinka