Novak Djokovic made a solid start to his Australian Open campaign with a 4-6, 6-4, 6-4, 6-1 victory over American Nishesh Basavareddy in the first round. Djokovic, a ten-time champion in Melbourne, was flanked by new coach Andy Murray, who offered on-court advice after the third set. Djokovic, who was knocked out in the semi-finals last year by eventual champion Yannick Sinner, fired 23 aces, including one on match point, to seal his place in the second round. After the match, he praised Basavareddy for his performance, acknowledging that the young American played better for a set and a half.