Australian Open Live: What Djokovic Said After First Round Win

World No. 1 tennis player, Novak Djokovic says he hopes to "have many great matches with this type of performance", after his First Round win in the Australian Open on Monday versus Jérémy Chardy.

Djokovic started the defence of his Australian Open title by dropping just six games in a dominant win over France's Chardy in Melbourne.

The Serbian top seed eased to a 6-3 6-1 6-2 victory to extend his 100% winning record against Chardy to 14 matches.

There appeared little danger of Djokovic suffering an upset on Monday once the draw was made - and so it proved.

Chardy had never won a set against the 17-time Grand Slam champion and it was another humbling experience for the 33-year-old.

Djokovic, who is aiming for a record-extending ninth title at Melbourne Park, hit cleanly and confidently in a one-sided win on Rod Laver Arena.

"It is an ongoing love affair on this court between me and the Rod Laver Arena," said the No.1 seed.

"Hopefully I can have many great matches with this type of performance.

"Obviously I wanted to start off well tonight.

READ ALSO: Men's Tennis In Good Hands — Djokovic

"First match, night session, very special, definitely one of the most special courts on the tennis tour around the world.

"It is definitely my most successful and my favourite court.

"Over the years, I have been very lucky to have a lot of success on this court, some great memories.

"I am just really glad we are free and playing tennis and I am really glad we are back in Australia.

"It is a happy place for us and the Happy Slam."

On Monday morning, 30,000 people poured into Melbourne Park to attend the first day of the Australian Open.

It is the biggest event to be held in Australia since the COVID-19 pandemic began.

Over the next 13 days, some 390,000 people – about half the usual capacity – are expected to take their seats in the stands.

Almost 1,000 international tennis players and support staff have spent at least 14 days in quarantine for the chance to be able to play.

Looks familiar ?@DjokerNole | #AO2021 | #AusOpen pic.twitter.com/KCiwLcB3Oq

— #AusOpen (@AustralianOpen) February 8, 2021