Novak's eyes on the prize

The 21-year-old, who is closing in on second-placed Roger Federer in the world rankings, scored his breakthrough success at Melbourne in 2008.

As he warms up for the year's first Grand Slam at the inaugural Brisbane International, Djokovic is in buoyant mood.

"It's always nice to come back to the country where you did well the previous year," he said.

"I take the best memories of my career out of Melbourne last year and I really look forward to going back there.

"Of course there is going to be a certain amount of expectation and pressure obviously as the Grand Slam champion, but I will try to use it in my favour and look at it as a positive challenge."