Novak Djokovic begins the defence of his Australian Open title against Italy's Paolo Lorenzi on Rod Laver Arena.
Djokovic has enjoyed a laid-back start to 2012. He competed in the pre-season Abu Dhabi exhibition event a couple of weeks ago where he looked in phenomenal form, thrashing Roger Federer and David Ferrer for the loss of merely a handful of games.
Since then he's just been practising in Melbourne and ensuring he's in peak condition for a tilt at his third Aussie Open title. And few would bet against him particularly with Federer and Rafa Nadal suffering injury scares in the lead-up to the event.
"Obviously 2011 has been the best year so far in my career. It's going to be very difficult to repeat what I have done," Djokovic said. "But, look, I've done it once. Why not twice? Why not staying optimistic and positive about the whole season?"
"Obviously I'm not thinking too far away from Australia. My focus is directed to this tournament. I feel that I'm at the peak of my career. I feel that physically, mentally, game wise, I'm right up there. I can perform equally well on any surface, as I have proved in 2011. That's my focus."
Lorenzi is ranked 108 in the world and just sneaked into the draw as one of the last direct acceptances. Few will be expecting the Italian to put up much of a fight, he's a journeyman who spends most of his career on the challenger circuit.
Prediction: Djokovic to ease through in three sets.
