Australian Open 2021: Novak Djokovic beat Jeremy Chardy again to reach 2nd round

World number one Novak Djokovic began his title defence of the Australian Open with a comfortable victory over Frenchman Jeremy Chardy at the Rod Laver Arena in Melbourne Park on Monday.

The Serbian beat Chardy 6-3 6-1 6-2 on centre court to register his 297th Grand Slam victory.

"There's an ongoing love affair with me and this court," he said to cheers from the fans.

"I've been lucky to have so much success on this court and hopefully it will continue for many years. It makes my heart full to see so many people in the stadium. This is the most people I've seen on a tennis court in 12 months. Thank you," Djokovic said.

The top-ranked Djokovic was never close to losing against the 33-year-old Chardy, maintaining a winning streak that dates



back to 2009.

Djokovic brought a definitive end to the unequal contest with back-to-back aces after 91 minutes and will next play American world number 62 Frances Tiafoe in the second round.

Nick Kyrgios did his best to create his own atmosphere in a subdued John Cain Arena on Monday as he cruised into the second round of the Australian Open with a 6-4 6-4 6-4 victory over qualifier Frederico Ferreira Silva.

"Honestly it was pretty average. I haven't played a Grand Slam match in over a year. I was very nervous walking out here and I knew I wouldn't be able to play my best game," Kyrgios said after the match.

"I was very fortunate that COVID didn't affect me or my family. I used it as a massive reset and I'm just glad to be back out here."