Djokovic Want to Direct Focus

Melbourne - Novak Djokovic did not want to underestimate the prospective opponent in the first round Australian Open Grand Slam. The defending champion also hopes to direct the focus since the first game.

Djokovic will begin his fight to retain his serve Frenchman Paul-Henri Mathieu, on Rod Laver Arena, Monday (14/01/2013). Although on paper he is much more favored, Djokovic did not look his opponent's eye.

"Absolutely not underestimate him. Was definitely," Djokovic said as quoted by Reuters.

"Perhaps at this moment he is ranked lower, but he is a top 20 player. He knows what it's like to play on the big stage," he continued.

Five years ago, Mathieu was ranked 12th in the world. But, because of a knee injury, he missed all of 2011.

Mathieu entered in 2012 as a player who has no rank, but he ended the year at number 59. That is, the position up over 1,500 levels.

"You just try to live one game at a time, focus on your next opponent, your next challenge," said Djokovic.

"I will try to focus from the start," said the player who finished top seed this.

Besides Djokovic duel versus Mathieu, Rod Laver Arena today also will present another exciting match in the men's. Former world number one host at a time champion, Lleyton Hewitt, will challenge the eighth seed, Janko Tipsarevic., Will challenge the eighth seed, Janko Tipsarevic.