Djokovic makes a good start at Australian Open

Defending champion Novak Djokovic of Serbia waves as he walks onto Rod Laver Arena to play Lukas Lacko of Slovakia in their first round match at the Australian Open tennis championship in Melbourne, Australia, Monday. AP

MELBOURNE, Australia—Novak Djokovic began his bid for a fourth consecutive Australian Open singles title with a 6-3, 7-6 (2), 6-1 win Monday over Lukas Lacko.

With his new coach and six-time Grand Slam singles champion Boris Becker watching him during a competitive match for the first time, Djokovic appeared tentative early against the Slovakian player, who often appeared content to keep the ball in play and wait for a Djokovic mistake.

But as the second-seeded Djokovic’s patience level began to drop, his skill level stepped up. He stayed on course for a fifth Australian title, the first man to achieve that feat since the Open Era began in 1968.

Top-seeded Serena Williams was next up on the night program at Rod Laver Arena, playing Australian teenager Ashleigh Barty.