The Serbian world No.7 began his quest for a 100th ATP title, and the foundation for another Australian Open push, seamlessly with a straight-sets defeat of Rinky Hijikata on Tuesday night.
The Brisbane International top seed beat the local hope 6-3 6-3 in 74 minutes at Pat Rafter Arena, starting fast then smothering the world No.73 as the finish line loomed.
The former world No.1, now 37, won his only title at the Paris Games this year - a crucial one to tick off the stellar list as he underwent knee surgery and his ranking slid to seven.
Victory in Brisbane on Sunday would be a 100th trophy before the 10-time Australian Open champion seeks a record 25th grand slam title in Melbourne next month.
Italian world No.1 Yannik Sinner (23) won eight of his 18 titles this year, including Australian and US Opens, while world No.3 Carlos Alcaraz (21) won Wimbledon and the French Open.
French rising star Giovanni Mpetshi Perricard took the tour by storm this year, his huge swings on both serves launching him into the world's top 30 and challenging traditional tennis strategy in the process.
Djokovic will use a second meeting with rival-turned-coach Andy Murray ahead of his Melbourne Park quest next month to make small tweaks and analytically turn the tables on the younger generation.
"I'm not looking to transform my game completely ... I'm not going to be Giovanni serving two first serves and coming in to the net," Djokovic smiled.
"But I definitely am looking to improve, even if it's the slightest percentage, every single shot that I have in my game, and maybe something that people don't necessarily see is this court positioning, the transition play, the tactics.
"Physically ... mentally, as well and ready to compete, whatever it takes, however many hours it takes with the youngsters.
"The week before Australian Open (we will) do a lot of video analysis of my main opponents, top guys, trying to understand how my game matches up."
Australian Rinky Hijikata (pic) earned praise from 24-time grand slam winner Novak Djokovic. (Jono Searle/AAP PHOTOS)
Djokovic mixed 27 winners with 12 unforced errors on Tuesday, his deep groundstrokes particularly impressive as the match wore on.
But he praised Australian Hijikata, who held his own after crucially dropping serve on his first attempt.
Djokovic is eyeing a 20-0 head-to-head record when he meets Gael Monfis in the second round, the French veteran beating American Nishesh Basavareddy 6-4 4-6 6-1 earlier on Tuesday.
Djokovic began his tournament with a doubles victory alongside Nick Kyrgios on Monday, with the pair slated to return to action on Wednesday afternoon.
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