Novak Djokovic has needed less than two hours to stamp himself as a serious Australian Open contender.

The six-time Melbourne Park champion crushed American Donald Young 6-1 6-2 6-4 in his first official match in six months on Tuesday to march into the second round.

Apart from an adjusted service action, the Serbian superstar showed no signs of the elbow injury that has sidelined him since Wimbledon as he booked a potential date on Thursday with flashy Frenchman Gael Monfils.