World No. 1 Novak Djokovic began his quest for a 9th title at the Australian Open. This has been the most successful tournament in his career so far.

The Serb won his first Major in Melbourne, back in 2008. As the years have passed by, Novak established himself as a complete player, possessing an all-court game. 

The Serbian superstar began his campaign on Monday and registered a comfortable victory over French veteran, Jeremy Chardy. Djokovic beat him 6-3 6-1 6-2, in a match that lasted a little over 90 minutes.

After the match, former World No. 1 Mats Wilander spoke highly of the Serb and assessed his game.

Novak Djokovic is the best returner of all time, feels Mats Wilander

The 7-time Grand Slam winner stated, “Djokovic is the best returner of all time. I think he’s the most aggressive returner and he makes a lot of balls, Novak.”

“It is a court that he loves to play on, the surface just seems to be so perfect for him. It’s impossible to get the ball out of his strike zone on both sides.”

The Swedish player feels that Djokovic is playing in a similar manner to what he did last season when he lifted the title. He added that Novak has begun this season in the same fashion as he ended last year in Melbourne. 

The 56-year-old added, “It looks immediately he’s playing as well as he did last year in the last couple of rounds, he’s back there and it’s like nothings changed. It’s the same Novak and he’s playing the same level. I think he’s maybe even getting better.”

After sailing through the first round, Djokovic will face American tennis player Frances Tiafoe in the second round. The American won his opening match against Italian professional player Stefano Travaglia in straight sets. 

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