MELBOURNE (Australia): Defending champion and world number two Novak Djokovic dropped his first set in the opening round of the Australian Open on Monday before overcoming Jan-Lennard Struff.
Djokovic won 7-6 (7/5), 6-2, 2-6, 6-1 for his 900th career win to make the second round at Melbourne Park for a 14th consecutive year.
“Credit to him for fighting, he’s a very powerful player,” said Djokovic.
The Serb is seeking to become only the third man to win eight or more titles at the same Grand Slam after Rafael Nadal (12 at Roland Garros) and Roger Federer (eight at Wimbledon).
“I started well, there was a close tiebreak and in the second set I played well, but he turned it around. Obviously when you are on the court, especially in my position I am expected to win most of my matches.
“There is a lot of pressure and a lot of different emotions involved. I definitely try to remind myself to stay present and really enjoy.”
Novak Djokovic
The last time he dropped a set at the first hurdle in Melbourne was 2006 before going on a streak of 41 straight sets during round one matches until Struff crashed the party.
The second seed came into the tournament after leading Serbia to the ATP Cup title in Sydney, winning all six of his singles matches.
But he didn’t have it all his own way against the world number 37.
He ground through a series of long rallies before breaking his opponent in the fifth game of the opening set and seemed to be cruising.
