Djokovic knows he’s in for a decent battle

NOVAK Djokovic knows what to expect and will be on his guard against JoWilfried Tsonga’s “big weapons” in their second-round clash tonight.

The world No.1 is no stranger to Tsonga’s game, taking a 16-6 head-tohead advantage into their match.

Djokovic defeated the Frenchman in the 2008 Australian Open final to win the first of his 14 grand slam titles.

Tsonga, 33, was granted a wildcard to the Australian Open after an injury-hit 2018. A former world No.5, his ranking has slipped to 177 in the world.

But Djokovic remained wary of Tsonga’s game.

“It’s funny, I mean, 11 years after our first grand slam final here, it feels like a lot has happened for both of us,’’ Djokovic said. “He also struggled with injuries lately. It’s good to see him playing well. It’s good to see him back.

“He’s another great player, champion, someone that has been very successful in the past, established top-10 player, played grand slam final. Just very powerful, serve, forehand, big weapons. I know what to expect. I’ve played him many times. I lost to him, as well. In this court, as well, in Rod Laver I think back in 2010.

“I’m going to approach it as any other match, to be honest.’’

The No.1 seed cruised through his opening-round match at Melbourne Park, dispatching American qualifier Mitchell Krueger 6-3, 6-3, 6-2.