Novak Djokovic demolishes opponent at the Australian Open

Top seed in ominous form

Novak Djokovic signs autographs at the Australian Open (GETTY IMAGES)

Novak Djokovic's campaign for a hat-trick of Australian Open titles shifted up a gear today, as he demolished American Ryan Harrison 6-1 6-2 6-3 to charge into the third round.

The steely-eyed Serb warmed up with a workmanlike performance in his opener against Frenchman Paul-Henri Mathieu, but was at his devastating best in a 91-minute rout of the 62nd-ranked Harrison.

Bullied on the baseline and broken early in each set, the 20-year-old American scrambled hard to make a contest under the lights at Rod Laver Arena, but surrendered the match when his opponent ripped a searing forehand down the line.

Djokovic will continue his bid for a sixth grand slam title, and fourth at Melbourne Park against Czech veteran Radek Stepanek.

Reuters