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Djokovic returns with easy win over Stebe

Novak Djokovic stretches for a backhand © Getty Images

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Novak Djokovic made a winning start to the Dubai Duty Free Championship with a convincing victory over Cedrik-Marcel Stebe.

Djokovic had not played a competitive match since his epic win over Rafael Nadal in the final of the Australian Open and he was handed an ideal entry into the tournament with a 6-4 6-2 win in an hour and 28 minutes.

The Serb, who looked fatigued and troubled by injury against Nadal, returned fit and well and Stebe was no match despite putting up a decent effort.

Djokovic secured an early break of serve and he raced through the gears to devastating effect. Clearly superior to his opponent, the world No. 1 elected to mix things up and wowed the crowd with a brilliant volley combination.

Nadal can testify that Djokovic has no fear of left handers and Stebe found himself under constant pressure. There were occasions when Stebe felt he had control of points, such as at 3-4 in the first set when he ventured to the net on the back of an excellent backhand, but he found the ball coming back at him like a tracer bullet.

A near-capacity crowd turned out and a relaxed Djokovic played his part by taking his turn during a Mexican Wave.

Stebe was happy to trade with Djokovic from the baseline, but he could make no impact on his rival's serve as the first set went the No. 1 seed's way in 52 minutes.

Stebe did not repeat the serving mistakes from the first set at the start of the second and he was able to match Djokovic. A brilliant backhand down the line earned the German a break point at 2-1, but a textbook first serve followed by a clean winner from Djokovic staved off the threat.

Failing to take the opening proved costly for Stebe as Djokovic broke through in the following game, albeit aided by a fortunate net cord and double fault from his opponent.

Losing his serve sapped the belief out of Stebe who was broken for a second time two games later, which eased Djokovic's passage into the second round.

Mardy Fish sailed into the second round with a 6-1 6-1 demolition of Andreas Beck - a victory sealed with a first-serve percentage of just 39.

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