Djokovic stays on course in Australian Open title defence

Novak Djokovic continued the defence of his Australian Open title with a comprehensive victory against Quentin Halys on Wednesday.

Defending champion Novak Djokovic powered through the second round of the Australian Open on Wednesday, defeating French teenager Quentin Halys in straight sets.

Nothing else but a Djokovic win was expected on Rod Laver and that was the case as the world number one triumphed 6-1 6-2 7-6 (7-3) to maintain his unbeaten record in 2016.

Halys, 19, had only played three previous Premier-level matches, though he battled manfully early on, withstanding pressure from Djokovic to hold serve in the second game, but the youngster could not keep pace with the Serb for long.

Djokovic, seeking a sixth title at Melbourne Park, broke and then held for a 4-1 lead before wrapping up the first set.

The 10-time grand slam champion then raced away in the second as he broke serve again in the opening game, maintaining that break throughout.

Halys refused to surrender in the third set, producing some memorable shots as he forced a tie-break, but it only delayed the inevitable.

STATISTICAL BREAKDOWN

Djokovic [1] Halys 6-1 6-2 7-6 (7-3)

ACES

Djokovic - 9

Halys - 9

WINNERS/UNFORCED ERRORS

Djokovic - 42/14

Halys - 33/34

BREAK POINTS WON