In just 91 minutes inside RLA, the top seed and defending champion made a statement behind a 6-3, 6-1, 6-2 victory over Jeremy Chardy.

The 2021 Australian Open draw took place on Friday. Novak, a record-extending eight-time AO champion, is a top seed. He will open title defence against world no.66 Jeremy Chardy of France (H2H 13-0).

Novak extended his perfect singles ATP Cup record, defeating Alexander Zverev in three sets 6-7 (3), 6-2, 7-5. The tie was decided by a doubles rubber (Djokovic/Cacic l.to Zverev/Struff 6-7, 7-5, 7-10).

After two singles matches, Serbia and Canada were tied at 1-1 in Group A action. Milos Raonic beat Dusan Lajovic 6-3, 6-4, then Novak defeated Denis Shapovalov 7-5, 7-5. Nole and Filip Krajinovic won the deciding doubles 7-5, 7-6 (4) to claim victory in the tie.

Novak took part in a "Day at the Drive" exhibition event on Friday. He pulled out of it because of a blistered hand, before appearing on court to play a set, helping his compatriot Filip Krajinovic beat Jannik Sinner.

Melbourne Park will host the ATP Cup this year, which will be played from February 2 to February 6. 2020 champion Serbia, which will be led by world no.1 Novak Djokovic, has been selected into Group A along with Germany and Canada.

The field is set for the 2021 ATP Cup, to be held from February 1-5 in Melbourne. Twelve countries will battle for the team trophy, with 2020 champion Serbia and runner-up Spain leading the way.

Novak has started his 300th week at No. 1 and now only record-holder Roger Federer is ahead of him for most weeks spent at No. 1. If Djokovic maintains his position, he will pass the Swiss star on 8 March 2021.

Novak vs Dominic Thiem Australian Open final encounter ( 6-4, 4-6, 2-6, 6-3, 6-4) is the best Grand Slam match of the 2020 season.

Novak saved four match points in the second set and led 4-0 in the third set tie-break, but haven't made it into the Nitto ATP Finals championship match. Dominic Thiem clinched a 7-5, 6-7 (10), 7-6 (5) win in three hours. The Serbian star has enjoyed another exceptional season, capturing four titles, and has finished as world no.1 for the sixth time in the past 10 years.