Williams through unscathed in Melbourne

He drew level with Roger Federer (22-22) a year ago with victories over the Swiss in the Wimbledon and US Open finals and has dominated four-time Open runner-up Andy Murray to such an extent he is now 21-9 clear of the world No. 2 after taking 10 of their past 11 encounters.

The third seed’s first-round match at Melbourne Park, where he is a four-time victor, is against Georgia’s Nicoloz Basilashvili – with Djokovic potentially lurking in the semis.

The tournament runs from 18-31 January.

Leading into the match, the lopsided statistics made the American an overwhelming favourite – she had won 737 tour matches and 69 singles titles to Giorgi’s 248 and one.

“Considering his situation… of course I support and I agree with his decision. Yeah, I’m relieved that since Thursday now I’m better”, Federer said.

“For me, my child is more important to me, and my wife is more important to me, than a tennis match”, said the British second seed.

He was in China ahead of the birth and was ready to pack up and leave if necessary.

“Again, it’s a very sensitive subject to talk about”.

“I’m just thinking positive”. “If I am able to do the same or better, like 2015, I’m not sure”.

Djokovic had a 6-3, 6-2, 6-4 win over Chung Hyeon of South Korea at Rod Laver Arena today, immediately after women’s defending champion and No. 1-ranked Serena Williams started her bid for a seventh Australian title with a 6-4, 7-5 win over No. 34-ranked Camila Giorgi.

“He’s one of the rising stars of the tennis world”, Djokovic said.

Djokovic, who beat his long-time friend in the finals here in 2011, ’13 and ’15, said while it was too early to be speculating about the final, he respected Murray’s position. I know that he’s a tall fellow.

“This court [Rod Laver Arena] is my most successful in my career”, Djokovic said in his on-court interview. He doesn’t have maybe as powerful of a serve as you would expect for his height.

“He wants to show to the world that he deserves to be there. What makes it special for me is that I still get those butterflies and those nerves”. I enjoyed every moment spent on the court.

One player whose intensity will be under the microscope is Bernard Tomic, after the Australian was criticised for pulling out of the Sydney International through illness last week.

“I’m here to focus on Australian Open”.

“Actually I was surprised (by the reaction) to be honest”.

“Unfortunately with me, given my bad reputation in the past, things have happened”.

“Having to play somebody for the first time, especially somebody that is as young as him, he’s only 19, it can be tricky”, said Djokovic after the win.

“There were other players that week that were a bit sick”. Williams and Hsieh have never played, but rest assured Hsieh will have lots of information on her opponent. “I’m happy to be back here”.