Aljaz Bedene showed glimpses of the talent he could soon be parading as a British passport holder before bowing out of the Australian Open at the hands of four-time champion Novak Djokovic. The 25-year-old Slovenian is a resident of Welwyn Garden City and is awaiting the outcome of his application to become a British citizen. He was eventually swatted away by world No 1 Djokovic, who prevailed 6-3, 6-2. 6-4 on Rod Laver Arena to get his 11th campaign at Melbourne Park under way. VIDEO Scroll down for Australian Open: Novak Djokovic wins in straight sets 6-3, 6-2. 6-4 . Novak Djokovic looked in good form as he beat Aljaz Bedene in straight sets . The World No 1 celebrates his victory as he looks to win his fifth Australian Open title . Bedene, who two years ago reached his career-high ranking of 71st, jumped 40 places to his current position at number 116 by reaching the recent Chennai final, where he lost to reigning Australian Open champion Stan Wawrinka. And the confidence he took from that performance in India was reflected in the early proceedings as Bedene kept pace with Djokovic until the eighth game. He even drove three successive aces beyond the Serbian, showing no sign of stage fright on the tournament's biggest stadium court. Djokovic was given a test by Bedene but progressed without too many problems . Djokovic's coach watched the world No 1 from the stands of the Rod Laver Arena . Djokovic makes a forehand return to Bedene during their first round match at the Australian Open . Eventually, though, the gulf in class told, with Bedene handing Djokovic a first break point by spearing a forehand long. Djokovic seized the opportunity, albeit in a rather unconvincing fashion when his under-hit smash was returned into the net by Bedene, who might have had time to do better. Slovenian-born Bedene lives in England and has applied to become a British citizen . Djokovic is congratulated by Bedene after his victory in the first round . And in swiftly closing out the set, Djokovic imposed the tempo for the rest of the contest, his tentative start soon forgotten as he raced through the second in 27 minutes and broke decisively in the fifth game of the third to move within sight of victory. A love service game completed the task for a player who despite recent illness looked sharp enough to suggest he will again be a title contender. This was Bedene's seventh appearance in the first round of a grand slam, and he has yet to win a match at the level. British tennis watchers taking a special interest in Bedene's fortunes would not be unfamiliar with such a frustrating run of results.
Novak Djokovic beats Aljaz Bedene 6-3, 6-2, 6-4 .
Slovenian-born Bedene lives in Welwyn Garden City and has applied to become a British citizen .
World No 1 Djokovic has won the Australian Open four times .
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Aljaz Bedene showed glimpses of the talent he could soon be parading as a British passport holder before bowing out of the Australian Open at the hands of four-time champion Novak Djokovic. The 25-year-old Slovenian is a resident of Welwyn Garden City and is awaiting the outcome of his application to become a British citizen. He was eventually swatted away by world No 1 Djokovic, who prevailed 6-3, 6-2. 6-4 on Rod Laver Arena to get his 11th campaign at Melbourne Park under way. VIDEO Scroll down for Australian Open: Novak Djokovic wins in straight sets 6-3, 6-2. 6-4 . Novak Djokovic looked in good form as he beat Aljaz Bedene in straight sets . The World No 1 celebrates his victory as he looks to win his fifth Australian Open title . Bedene, who two years ago reached his career-high ranking of 71st, jumped 40 places to his current position at number 116 by reaching the recent Chennai final, where he lost to reigning Australian Open champion Stan Wawrinka. And the confidence he took from that performance in India was reflected in the early proceedings as Bedene kept pace with Djokovic until the eighth game. He even drove three successive aces beyond the Serbian, showing no sign of stage fright on the tournament's biggest stadium court. Djokovic was given a test by Bedene but progressed without too many problems . Djokovic's coach watched the world No 1 from the stands of the Rod Laver Arena . Djokovic makes a forehand return to Bedene during their first round match at the Australian Open . Eventually, though, the gulf in class told, with Bedene handing Djokovic a first break point by spearing a forehand long. Djokovic seized the opportunity, albeit in a rather unconvincing fashion when his under-hit smash was returned into the net by Bedene, who might have had time to do better. Slovenian-born Bedene lives in England and has applied to become a British citizen . Djokovic is congratulated by Bedene after his victory in the first round . And in swiftly closing out the set, Djokovic imposed the tempo for the rest of the contest, his tentative start soon forgotten as he raced through the second in 27 minutes and broke decisively in the fifth game of the third to move within sight of victory. A love service game completed the task for a player who despite recent illness looked sharp enough to suggest he will again be a title contender. This was Bedene's seventh appearance in the first round of a grand slam, and he has yet to win a match at the level. British tennis watchers taking a special interest in Bedene's fortunes would not be unfamiliar with such a frustrating run of results.
holder before bowing out of the Australian Open of Welwyn Garden City and is awaiting the outcome 6-2. 6-4 . Novak Djokovic looked in good form as to do better. Slovenian-born Bedene lives in England and has applied to become a British