Australian Open Day One round-up: Dominant Novak Djokovic sends out an early warning to rivals as he begins his quest for a ninth title

Defending champion Novak Djokovic swept past Jeremy Chardy in straight sets as the Australian Open got underway later than usual this year.

The world No 1 took just 91 minutes to dispatch his French opponent 6-3, 6,1, 6-2 on Rod Laver Arena.

The Serbian headlined the evening session in front of fans due to Australia’s more lenient Covid-19 restrictions allowing up to 30,000 spectators in Melbourne Park at once.

Djokovic spoke match about his delight to be returning to Australia and playing with fans in attendance: ‘It feels great to play in front of big crowd,’ said the eight-time Australian Open Champion.

‘I’m really glad to see a lot of people here. I have an ongoing love affair with Rod Laver Arena and I hope to have these kind of performances again. I’m lucky to have a lot of good memories on this court.’

He will now face Frances Tiafoe next in the tournament after the American also secured a three-set victory against Stefano Travaglia.

In a day sparse of upsets, Dominic Thiem brushed off his five-set defeat against Djokovic in last year’s final to beat Mikhail Kukushkin in straight sets, while the 2014 Australian Open champion Stanislas Wawrinka secured a place in round two with a three-set victory over Pedro Sousa.

Elsewhere, US Open finalist Alexander Zverev came back from a set down to overcome an early test from Marcos Giron and successfully book his place into the next round.

Elsewhere, home-favourite Nick Kyrgios also eased into the second round with a straight-sets triumph over Frederico Silva.

However, the first round did see the fall of the 10th seed Gael Monfils who lost in five-sets against world No 86 Emil Ruusuvuori, reducing the Frenchman to tears after losing in the opening round for the sixth consecutive tournament.