Djokovic has fun in the sun, Stosur wilts

Djokovic's victory in Melbourne last year sparked a remarkable season in which he won three grand slam titles and compiled a 70-6 record as he finally overhauled Rafa Nadal and Roger Federer as the world number one.

On Tuesday, in baking hot conditions similar to those that had tripped the 2008 champion up in his first Melbourne Park title defence, the Serb produced an emphatic 6-2 6-0 6-0 victory over Italian journeyman Paolo Lorenzi in 92 minutes.

"It took me a couple games to get into the right rhythm," Djokovic, who entertained the fans with some flashes of brilliance including an audacious "through the legs" shot, said. "You know, it's a bit difficult conditions.

"Today was I think around 35 degrees, so it took a bit of time to get used to the heat.

"I think it was really the hottest day since I've arrived here, so trying to get used to that. But I think I played well after the first set was finished."

In Image: Serbia's Novak Djokovic waves to the crowd as he celebrates his win over Italy's Paolo Lorenzi at the Australian Open tennis championship, in Melbourne, Australia, Tuesday, Jan. 17, 2012.

Text: Reuters

Images: AP