Novak Djokovic successfully navigated his was past Michael Llodra 6-3 6-3 in the opening round of the Dubai Duty Free Championships.
The Australian Open Champion, playing for the first time since his Grand Slam victory over Andy Murray at the Rod Lever Arena, played supremely well as he made light work of the Frenchman. He has been installed as one of the tennis betting favourites for the tournament.
Djokovic, gunning for his third successive Dubai title, broke early on to lead the first set 3-2, and never looked likely to relinquish his lead, and closed out the set with another break to take the first set 6-3.
The Serbian’s domination continued as he swiftly took a 3-1 lead after another early break, and despite a wobble at 5-3 where the world number three found himself 40-0 down, he served out the set to take the match in just over 60 minutes.
The double-Grand Slam winner declared himself happy with his day’s work, and admitted he had been concerned having not played since the Australian Open final on 30th January.
"I didn't know how I'm going to start the tournament after three weeks of not playing an official match, so I have to say I'm happy with the performance today.” Djokovic said.
"I think he didn't serve as well and as fast as our last match in Paris a couple of months back. But still, I was managing to return a lot of balls back and making him play an extra shot.”
World number two Roger Federer will make his return to the game in the championships, having lost to Djokovic in straight sets at the Australian Open.
Tennis bets will have been placed in the Swiss star’s favour to win the tournament, but he faces a tough task in toppling the in-form Djokovic should the pair meet.
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