Novak Djokovic recovers from shaky start to his Australian Open defence

 
MELBOURNE, AUSTRALIA - JANUARY 13: Novak Djokovic of Serbia celebrates a point in his first round match against Lukas Lacko of Slovakia during day one of the 2014 Australian Open at Melbourne Park on January 13, 2014 in Melbourne, Australia. (Photo by C
Paul Newman13 January 2014

When Novak Djokovic faced break points in the opening game against Lukas Lacko here today, he might have thought his bid to win the Australian Open for a fourth year in a row was going to prove more difficult than imagined.

Within two hours, however, the world No2, backed by his new coach Boris Becker, had secured a convincing 6-3, 7-6, 6-1 victory over his Slovakian opponent.

Lacko, the world No96, broke Djokovic (above) in the first set and pushed him hard in the second but the Serb won the tie-break 7-2 and then quickly closed out victory to earn a second-round meeting with Argentina’s Leonardo Mayer.

Roger Federer will open his campaign tomorrow against Australia’s James Duckworth. Stefan Edberg, who has joined Federer’s coaching entourage, believes he can help the former world No1.

“I am doing it because I really think I can make a little difference,” Edberg said. “It’s maybe just a different voice, different opinions.”

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