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Serena Williams, Novak Djokovic advance at Australian Open

Monday, 18 January 2016 10:30

Novak Djokovic and Serena Williams pose with the trophies during the 2016 Australian Open official draw at Melbourne Park on January 15, 2016 in Melbourne, Australia.

Top seeds Serena Williams and Novak Djokovic have started their title defences at the Australian Open with straight set victories. Williams, who is chasing her 22nd Grand Slam, defeated Italian Camila Giorgi 6-4, 7-5. It was the American’s first match since losing in the semi-final of the U.S. Open in September. But Williams says she needed those four months off.

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Elsewhere, men’s world number one Djokovic beat the 19-year-old South Korean Hyeon Chung 6-3, 6-2, 6-4. Former champions Roger Federer and Maria Sharapova will hit the courts later.

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