Djokovic insists he's not 'invincible'

MELBOURNE - Reigning champion Novak Djokovic swept into the third round on Thursday and warned he felt more comfortable at the Australian Open than anywhere else - although he insisted he was not "invincible".

The world No 1 was in imperious form in handing out a straight-sets demolition of Colombia's Santiago Giraldo to move into the last 32 at the year's opening major tournament.

The Serbian top seed cruised to a 6-3, 6-2, 6-1 win in 1 hr, 42 min over the 56th-ranked Giraldo, and will next face Frenchman Nicolas Mahut.

Djokovic was always in command of the match on Rod Laver Arena, breaking the Colombian's serve seven times and totting up 27 winners to breeze through.

He is chasing his third straight Grand Slam title - and his third in Melbourne - after winning Wimbledon and the US Open last year, which would place him in illustrious tennis company.

Only four men on five occasions have won three or more consecutive Grand Slams in the Open era - Rod Laver, Pete Sampras, Rafael Nadal and Roger Federer twice.

While declaring he was not unbeatable on Rod Laver Arena, Djokovic admitted his liking for the slow hardcourt surface.

"I don't think anybody is invincible," said the supremely-confident Djokovic.

"It's a matter of the confidence that you have, self-belief on the court, qualities as a player, being out there physically, mentally fit, being able to perform your best on a day-to-day basis.

"It's true that probably this court is one of the most successful courts in my career.

"I've had two titles here, 2008 and last year, and coming back to this court always brings me the nicest memories. I like the conditions, the speed of the court, the balls, everything.

"When I step on the court I feel that I belong there, that I know what to do, that I feel more confident maybe than the other courts around the world."

Agence France-Presse