Intro:

Reaction from Novak Djokovic, Serena Williams and Ashleigh Barty following their first round matches in Australian Open on Monday (13th January) at Melbourne Park.

Script:

Novak Djokovic began the defence of his Australian Open title with a straight forward win over Lukas Lacko of Slovakia in Melbourne on Monday.

The Serbian advanced to the second round after a 6-3, 7-6, 6-1 win, watched by new coach Boris Becker in the stands.

Italy's number seven seed Sara Errani became the first big casualty of the tournament, when she was well beaten in straight sets by Julia Goerges of Germany. Goerges took just 77 minutes to close out a 6-3, 6-2 win.

Elsewhere the former US Open champion Sam Stosur brushed aside the challenge of her Czech opponent Klara Zakopalova 6-3, 6-4.

And there was an upset as sixth seed Petra Kvitova was beaten by Luksika Kumkhum of Thailand. Next up for the 20-year old is an encounter with Germany's Mona Barthel.

And Serena Williams looked in dominant form, as she brushed aside Australian teenager Ashleigh Barty.
World number one Williams claimed a 6-2, 6-1 win in just 57 minutes for her 23rd consecutive match win.
Jarkko Nieminen of Finland beat Dudi Sela of Israel, 6-3 in the fifth set, to progress after an extremely tight contest.