MANILA, Philippines – Second-seed Novak Djokovic and women’s top seed Serena Williams breezed through the first round of the Australian Open. Djokovic showed a few signs of rustiness after the off-season but still comfortably advanced to the second round after beating Lukas Lacko. Djokovic wrapped up the victory after 110 minutes as he campaigns for a fourth successive title at Melbourne Park. In the women’s singles, a ruthless Serena Williams began her bid for an 18th Grand Slam title with a 6-2, 6-1 demolition of local wildcard Ashleigh Barty. Barty was powerless to prevent the American from cruising to her 23rd consecutive win. -- Mornings @ ANC, January 14, 2014.
