Djokovic eases past Bedene

Dejan Kalinic at Melbourne Park

Djokovic eases past Bedene image

Novak Djokovic shrugged off illness worries by brushing past Aljaz Bedene in the Australian Open first round on Tuesday.

The Serbian world number one appears to have recovered well from his pre-tournament bug, beating Bedene 6-3 6-2 6-4 on Rod Laver Arena.

Djokovic finished with solid numbers - 30 winners and 29 unforced errors - in the win.

Such a straightforward victory looked unlikely early.

Qualifier Bedene had his chances but failed to capitalise and Djokovic predictably made him pay on his way to victory in one hour 49 minutes.

He had two break points in the first set as he regularly pushed Djokovic on the seven-time grand slam winner's serve.

But, having saved both, Djokovic converted his first chance to take a 5-3 lead.

The world number one took that momentum into the second set, breaking in the opening game.

Another break of serve was forthcoming as Bedene's 11 unforced errors for the set cost him.

Djokovic broke for a 3-2 lead in the third, with Bedene taking a medical time out early in the set.

The Slovenian appeared to be receiving treatment to his adductor.

Djokovic was untroubled with his break of serve lead, and Bedene pulled a forehand wide on match point to end the contest.

Dejan Kalinic at Melbourne Park