Djokovic opens Toronto title defence in style

By Steve Keating

TORONTO (Reuters) - World number three Novak Djokovic opened the defence of his Toronto Masters title in impressive style with a 6-4 6-4 win over Canadian Frank Dancevic on Tuesday.

The Australian Open champion was joined in the third round by sixth seeded American Andy Roddick, who launched his hardcourt campaign earlier in the day with a battling 6-1 6-7 6-3 win over Frenchman Nicolas Mahut.

World number one Roger Federer and Wimbledon champion Rafael Nadal open their accounts on Wednesday after receiving first round byes in the $2.6 million event.

Playing in his first event since a second-round loss to Marat Safin at Wimbledon, Djokovic took a little time to shake off the rust but soon got into his stride and broke Dancevic to take the opening set.

The 21-year-old Serb recorded an early break in the second to push 4-2 ahead but then wobbled as Dancevic, urged on by a raucous home crowd, staged a late rally by breaking back and holding serve.

But Djokovic responded with another decisive break to seal the match in 77 minutes.

"I was aware he had nothing to lose, the big Canadian hope playing in front of his crowd with big support," said Djokovic.

"Always the first match is the trickiest one, trying to keep the balance.