Novak Djokovic feels his tough first-round win over Spanish veteran Fernando Verdasco could be the ideal springboard to launch an assault on an unprecedented seventh Australian Open title.
The reigning champion overcame a mid-match hiccup to press his claims with a 6-1 7-6 (7-4) 6-2 victory in their opening round clash on Rod Laver Arena on Tuesday night.
The world No.2 said that taking on the former top-10 player, who shocked Rafael Nadal in five sets in the opening round of the Australian Open last year, could be a blessing.
"From one perspective it was good that I got to have the very tough first-round match because it made me prepare better and kind of approach this match and the tournament with the right intensity right from the blocks, right from the first point," Djokovic said.
"I'm very pleased, considering I had one of the toughest first-round draws and definitely considering his form.
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"Just overall I'm feeling good about my performance."
Djokovic was almost unstoppable in the opening set with 33-year-old Verdasco only managing to hold serve at 0-5.
But there were shades of their most recent meeting at the Doha tournament earlier this month, when world No.40 Verdasco had five match points.
Unforced errors crept into Djokovic's play as he was broken early.
Verdasco led 4-3 in the tiebreak only for the Serb to reel off the next four points to take a two set lead.
With the win in sight, Djokovic put his foot down and wrapped up the match in comfortable fashion.
"I started really well and had a great first set and great third set, as well," the 29-year-old said.
"The second set was a long set with a lot of unforced errors from both sides.
"But at the end of the day, I knew that winning second set would be crucial because I definitely didn't want to give him wings."
Djokovic next faces wildcard Denis Istomin from Uzbekistan.
