Novak Djokovic Beats Paolo Lorenzi at Australian Open 2012

imjack
January 16, 2012 09:30 PM

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Novak Djokovic started his Australian Open title defence with a crushing win against Paolo Lorenzi of Italy.

Novak Djokovic of Serbia hits a shot against Paolo Lorenzi of Italy in their first round men's singles match on day two of the 2012 Australian Open tennis tournament in Melbourne on January 17, 2012. Djokovic won 6-2, 6-0, 6-0. IMAGE STRICTLY.

The top seed overturned an early break of serve and went on to win 6-2 6-0 6-0 in an hour and 32 minutes to seal a meeting with Santiago Giraldo.

Earlier, fifth seed David Ferrer beat Rui Machado 6-1 6-4 6-2 and next plays Matthias Bachinger or Ryan Sweeting.

Andy Murray, Jo-Wilfried Tsonga, Andy Roddick and Lleyton Hewitt also play on a sweltering day at Melbourne Park.

"It was a great performance for my first official match of the 2012 season," said two-time champion Djokovic.

Paolo Lorenzi of Italy hits a return against Novak Djokovic of Serbia in their first round men's singles match on day two of the 2012 Australian Open tennis tournament in Melbourne on January 17, 2012.

"It's great to come back to Melbourne, I have great memories here.

"Nowadays I'm a more complete player. I feel I know what to do on court.

"I'm physically stronger, move better, have improved my strokes and serve better - that gives me a lot of confidence."

In other results, Germany's Philipp Petzschner thrashed Lukas Rosol of the Czech Republic 6-0 6-0 6-2.

Number 24 seed Kei Nishikori of Japan beat France's Stephane Robert 6-1 7-6 (9-7) 6-0.