Novak Djokovic overcomes Mitchell Krueger to set up second round clash with Jo-Wilfried Tsonga in Australia

Just over two hours on court now and a kicked second serve proves problematic for Krueger and opens up a 30-0 lead for Djoko.

Djkoovic toys with the American on the next point, bringing him to net and then sending him long. Krueger has got under the Serbian's skin today, maybe the world No 1 was expecting an easier ride? He only needs one of his three match points. They shake hands at the net, all appears well but it was sticky going at times for Djokovic. GAME, SET AND MATCH: DJOKOVIC BEATS KRUEGER 6-3, 6-2, 6-2 

Great serve and volleying from Krueger to bring up two game points. He's been here the last couple of service games, though. The pair exchange drops shots at the net with Djokovic the victor. A sliced forehand into the tape allows Djokovic to draw level at deuce and the American is struggling big time to close out these games.

Djokovic strikes through a short ball with Krueger lurking at the net to set up break point but the American sends a blistering forehand into the corner which draws a wry smile from the world No 1. Djokovic takes it on the second break point after Krueger dumps into the net. Djokovic lets out a cry in delight. He'll be serving for a place in the second round. DJOKOVIC BREAKS. 

On Melbourne Arena, Ranoic is now two sets to the good against Kyrios after taking the second set on a tiebreak. 

It's certainly not one-way traffic from Djokovic but he's not looked like getting broken this set or the last. He holds to 15. Now Krueger needs a comfortable service game. 

Just when Krueger thinks he's on course for a straight-forward service game and Djokovic makes his life tricky again by coming back for deuce. The Serbian shows great speed to chase down a drop shot out wide and dink his own drop shot out wide to the opposite side which Krueger lifts long. But as was the case in the last Krueger service game, it's not easy to convert the break points. Djokovic finds a way on the second breaker. Chasing down another drop shot and volleying Krueger's response. He punches the air in utter delight and some anger. Djokovic is rattled but he makes the break. DJOKOVIC BREAKS. 

Djokovic looking slightly agitated out there as he stutters through the gears against his American opponent. He tries his luck with a couple of drop shots, one seeing Krueger slip to the surface to which Djokovic turns his back and readies himself for the next serve. He holds to 15. 

Krueger tries his luck from the net again. It pays off for one point but then Djokovic punches a forehand down the middle which the American does well to dodge. That had some venom behind it. Djokovic misses a chance to break but then has another chance when Krueger pushes a groundstroke into the tramlines. A body serve keeps Djoko at bay but after working so hard to set up game point, he double faults. The American isn't deflated. He chases down a drop shot and then hits a volleyed winner to turn up the volume on Rod Laver. Djokovic keeps pressing, forcing a fourth deuce and then break pint No 3 as the game approaches nine minutes long. But Djoko still can't make the breakthrough. He throws his racket a few feet above his head in frustration. Krueger is enjoying the cat-and-mouse of this game. The American makes a lob to bring up game point but neither man can string two points together. 

Krueger goes for another lobbed attempt, but this time doesn't have enough juice on the ball. But the errors keep coming from Djokovic too as he over hits a forehand. Finally, finally, after nine deuces and nearly 15 minutes, Krueger saves five break points to hold. He holds his arms in aloft as if he's won the match! 

 

Meanwhile, world No 1 Simona Halep has dropped the opening set of her first-round clash with Kaia Kanepi 7-6. 

 

A beautiful forehand winner cross court while slightly leaning back wraps up another service hold for Djokovic, this time to 15. All Djoko needs to do now is keep his focus and a second-round contest with Tsonga awaits. 

Great resilience from Krueger as he eventually holds after a lengthy opening game. There's some chat from the commentator whether Djokovic pressed his finger to his lips telling the crowd to stay quiet at the close of the game. I can't say I caught it but the Serbian isn't one to refrain from showing his true feelings. Would be bizarre timing to do so given how comfortable he is in this first-round clash. 

In a flash Djokovic races to three set points. He only needs one as Krueger sends a first service return long. It's comfortable for the world No 1. DJOKOVIC WINS SECOND SET. 

Despite the scoreline this set, Krueger has given a good account of himself. He holds to make the Serbian serve for the set. 

Over on Melbourne Arena, Milos Raonic has taken the first set against Nick Kyrgios 6-4.

More urgency from Djokovic now as he makes Krueger pay for a couple of short balls. At game point, Djokovic loses his focus to push a backhand straight into Krueger's path but the American can't make the pass. 

Djokovic turning the screw now and moves to mini-break advantage at 0-30. Djokovic moving Krueger all over the shop now but the American isn't giving up. During one lengthy rally, Krueger stays toe-to-toe with the great man and hits an audacious winner down the line. Great respect from Djokovic too as he pats his racket in applause. Krueger is making sure he brings out the best in Djokovic's game now. The Serbian also sees slightly agitated. He wins one point and then stares down at Krueger as if the American ate the last doughnut. Not that you'd see Djokovic ever eating a doughnut. From a second deuce, Djokovic brings up a break point with a punched volley at the net. But oh dear, what a time to bring up your first double. Krueger challenges but it's pointless. DJOKOVIC BREAKS.   

 

Dominant serving from Djokovic now. The Serbian starts to toy with his rival, drawing him to net and then sending it scampering back. Krueger anticipates a lob well he tries to return through his legs, but the ball lands at the base of the net. Good effort though. 

What Djokovic can do, Krueger can match as he opens with an ace. The American is drawn into a lengthy rally on the next point and is relieved to see a backhand dragged into the tramlines. Krueger sustains his positive approach with a smashed overhead but Djokovic won't allow his opponent of a love-game as he fires a forehand into the corner. A solid serve out wide ensures Krueger gets over the line for the first time this set. 

 

Laughter all round on Rod Laver Arena as Djokovic keeps the let cord bleep button busy by striking the top of the net on four successive occasions. The Serbian puffs out his cheeks and affords himself a wry smile. When the action finally gets back into full swing, Djokovic is looking comfortable now. He wins the game to 15 with an ace.

Krueger looking solid from the net as he powers home another smash for 30-15 on his serve. Djokovic wins two straight points to bring up break point for the first time this set but then pushes wide with a backhand. He looks to the skies in disappointment. He shakes off that frustration to bring up another break point by striking a perfect overhead into the corner. But a booming first serve out wide from Krueger keeps the Serbian at bay - for the time being. Krueger hands Djokovic his third break point by pushing a volley long but then keeps Djokovic waiting to make the breakthrough. Following a third deuce, Djokovic punches a backhand winner down the line and follows up with a passing winner down the line to make the break. DJOKOVIC BREAKS. 

Djokovic shrugs his shoulders after mistiming a backhand return during a stuttering service game to close out the first set. Krueger pushes the Serbian to 30-all by introducing some slicing which draws the error from Djokovic. Djoko isn't going to be pushed to break point, mind. He steps into a short ball to get on the front foot to bring up set point but then Krueger hangs tough to outlast and outwit the great man during the next lengthy rally, the American finally punching a volley out of Djokovic's reach which draws a thumbs up from his opponent.

The adrenalin is pumping for Krueger and he goes for broke on the next point, trying to find the inside of the line but pulling it wide. Djokovic won't squander another set point and he comfortably walks over to his chair with the first set in his back pocket. DJOKOVIC WINS OPENING SET. 

Just hearing that the winner of this contest will face a certain former Aussie Open finalist in the next round in Jo-Wilfried Tsonga. The Frenchman has been suffering with injuries the last year or so but is through to the second round after defeating Martin Klizan in straight sets.

Back to this match and Djokovic misses an opening at 15-30 when he pushes a regulation forehand long. He goes for the pass during the next rally with Krueger rushing the net, but again he's off target. 

The Serb draws the error from Krueger's backhand to bring up a first break point of this game and then looks on as Krueger pushes a slower return from Djokovic into the middle. DJOKOVIC BREAKS. 

Djokovic looking sharp on his service game now. He is yet to drop a point off his serve since being broken in the third game. He can't make it eight straight points as he drop shot loops up but drifts into the net on his side.

 

Meanwhile, more woe for Australian's Sam Stosur at her home event. It's the fourth year in a row she has lost in the first round here.

 

Given how little Krueger has played at this level, it's admirably how well he's showing up against Djokovic, the favourite and bidding for a seventh title in Melbourne. The American's powerful serve isn't easy for the Serbian to read early on here and Djokovic isn't finding life easy. He has a chance of a break here, though, but hits a forehand into the tape. Krueger recovers well, winning the next two straight points as the set stays on serve.

Djokovic moving through the gears now in this service game. Shows great sleight of hand to deceive his rival and races to three game points. A solid first serve out wide completes a perfect game. 

Meanwhile, Serena has been joined in the second round by sister Venus who recovered from a set and a break down to defeat 25th seed Mihaela Buzarnescu.

Krueger has only won two matches at tour level in his career but never won a match at grand slam level. It's amazing how quickly he's settled and made an early breakthrough. Djokovic isn't rattled by the setback. He works his opponent again, biding his time at the baseline and then edges forward to show soft hands to execute a drop shot for 0-30. He swiftly brings up three break points, striking a beautiful forehand winner across court which is too good for Krueger. The American saves the first with a solid first serve. But an incredible service return on the next sees Djokovic bounce straight back. 

Djokovic edges the first lengthy rally of the contest as Krueger strikes too long with one forehand. The Serbian works his opponent left and right during the next baseline duel but pulls one forehand wide to hand Krueger a 15-30 advantage. That soon turns into two break points as the American turns aggressor, forcing Djokovic on the backfoot and smashing into the empty deuce court. Djokovic saves the first but then makes the break when the Serbian slaps another forehand into the middle. KRUEGER BREAKS. 

Krueger recovers from dropping the first point to settle into his serve and brings up two game points with a confidence-boosting overhead smash at the net. He drags a double-handed backhand cross court into the tramlines when well placed but is on the board when Djokovic punches a forehand into the net. 

The six-times champion gets proceedings under way comfortably with a half volley down the middle and brings up game point with an out-swinging ace. Djokovic hands the American a free point by pushing long with a forehand but then takes the game with an acute forehand across court. A straight-forward game to kick off for the Serbian. 

Djokovic and Krueger are currently going through their warm ups on court. The coin toss has been and gone with no dramas and light on entertainment factor - unlike earlier where this boy enjoyed his five seconds of fame. Take it away....

 

Morning all and welcome to coverage as Djokovic, the bookies favourite, takes on America's Krueger, who world No 230, down from his all-time high of No 169 in 2017.

Overnight, Johanna Konta joined fellow Brits Katie Boulter and Dan Evans in the second round with a three-set win over No 3 Alja Tomljanovic.

Konta survived a deciding tie-break to defeat the Aussie No 3 7-6 (7/4), 2-6, 7-6 (10/7).

There was little to separate the pair throughout a tight and big-hitting contest but Konta was rewarded for her aggression in the first-to-10-points tie-break, becoming the second British player after Boulter to win using the new scoring format.

Serena Williams only dropped two games in her first match in Melbourne since winning the title while pregnant two years ago.

 The American's clash with fellow mother Tatjana Maria was her first outside of exhibition events since the tumultuous US Open final last September.

Serena, dressed in a striking green playsuit, needed just 49 minutes to win through 6-0, 6-2. 

"I think the last time I was here I was pregnant and playing, which is insane, so it's kind of weird walking back on - by myself this time.

"I have so many wonderful memories from the last time I was here, it was literally the best match of my career."

Meanwhile, there have been victories for Alexander Zverev, Karolina Pliskova, Eugenie Bouchard and Garbine Muguruza. 

Tennis's fifth-favourite Serb* will get his Australian Open campaign started in Melbourne shortly. 

He faces American Mitchell Krueger and we're expecting play to begin within the next half hour. Vicki Hodges will be here shortly to talk you through the match, in the meantime here's a bit of Novak from yesterday:

Novak Djokovic found himself mired in the muddy waters of tennis politics before the start of the Australian Open on Monday.

If 2018 was a tumultuous year behind the scenes then there is every indication this season could top it, with most of the drama currently centred on the ATP.

As head of the ATP Player Council and world number one, Djokovic is a powerful figure within the game and one who has strong views on the way the sport should be run.

The players have three representatives on the main ATP board, one of whom, American former player and coach Justin Gimelstob, is currently awaiting trial on charges of assault, which he denies.

The player council has come under fire for allowing Gimelstob to remain in his post, and talking about the issue for the first time publicly, Djokovic said: "I am comfortable, as are all of the council members.

"Obviously, that's an ongoing process and trial. Those are all allegations at the moment. If he is not proven guilty, he stays innocent, or he's proven guilty, that's a completely different situation for us and we have to address it.

"He's been someone that has always fought for the players' rights and represented players in a great way."

The tournaments also have three representatives, with executive chairman and president Chris Kermode leading the organisation.

The Londoner has been in his post for five years but his current term is due to expire at the end of the season and it has been reported that the players are gearing up to vote him out, against the wishes of the tournaments.

The issue was discussed at a player council meeting on Saturday, but Djokovic refused to disclose the council's intentions, saying: "The decision hasn't been made on the president.

"He's still president. He'll remain president until the end of his term. Whether there's a renewal or not, it's going to be decided in the next period."

It was in Melbourne last year where Djokovic addressed a player meeting calling for the collective body to push to improve their interests, and the issue of prize money rumbles on.

Despite the riches on offer at the Australian Open - the singles champions will earn more than £1.7million each - and the huge increases at grand slams in recent years, lower down the pyramid it remains very hard for players to make a living.

Djokovic said: "We're satisfied with what has been happening with the slams in general, particularly the Australian Open, not just prize money but just the facilities, all the improvements we get to see and experience.

"We continue to talk to the grand slams. It's an ongoing discussion. Some people, maybe some media as well, just come across this information as (though) it's me, as part of the council, some of the top players, that are fighting for more money for ourselves, which is not true at all.

"We are focused on distribution and we are focused more on the earlier rounds, getting more job opportunities and increasing also the number of tennis players that can live out of this sport."

Djokovic begins his campaign on the court against qualifier Mitchell Krueger on Tuesday while his big rivals Rafael Nadal and Roger Federer are two of the headline acts on day one.

After successfully defending his title 12 months ago, the rest of 2018 was less successful for Federer, but he arrived in Australia on the back of a very good pre-season.

He said: "I think I was probably even able to work a bit harder than I thought I was going to. I didn't miss any sessions. I think I added on top of it. I came out of it strong.

"I'm playing good tennis. I'm confident that I think it needs a good performance by my opponent probably to beat me. That's always a good thought."

Federer takes on Denis Istomin, who upset Djokovic here two years ago, while Nadal plays Australian James Duckworth.

* - We're big fans of Ivanovic, Jankovic, Tisparevic and Monica Seles here.