Defending Australian Open champion Novak Djokovic is hopeful that he can "go far" in Melbourne after progressing into the second round.

The Serbian, who dropped down to number two in the world rankings towards the end of last season, has had a successful start to his campaign with a 6-3 7-6(2) 6-1 win over Lukas Lacko.

"It's the first competitive match I've played this season so I was a bit rusty on the court in the first two sets, but afterwards it was all working well in the third and I'm glad to go through," Djokovic told reporters.

"I would say first of all I love the energy of the Australian people and I love being here. Second of all, it's the start of the season and everybody is motivated to play their best tennis.

"I don't take any match for granted and I just want to play my best so hopefully I can go far."

Djokovic has won the Australian Open three times in a row.