Novak Djokovic returned to action after a long layoff due to injury. The Serb pulled the plug on the 2017 season after retiring against Tomas Berdych at Wimbledon. On Tuesday, he faced American Donald Young and he looked solid in his return advancing after a 6-1, 6-2, 6-4 win.

Djokovic showed no issues with his surgically repaired elbow during the match and it was Young who looked like he had signs of rust.

 Meanwhile, the former world no. 1 put his new service motion into competition for the first time and it was an efficient weapon on the day.  He won 79 percent of his first serves and 71 percent of his second serves in the match.

The six-time Australian Open champion exhibited some of the play that helped fill his trophy case with major titles as he struck the ball clean and played solid defense.

And while Young did not bring his A-game to push Djokovic, it was still a good return for the 12-time major champion.

Djokovic appeared happy to be back on the court again and his play resembled one that was pressure free.

He was happy with his return to competitive play, “The first match after six months, you never know how you’re going to start off from the blocks. I came into court with the right emotions. I’m so grateful I had the opportunity to be here. I wanted to start with the right intensity, which I have. 6-1 5-0 – that was perfect.”

The Serb admitted that he used his time away to reflect on his life and his career, ‘It’s been a long period without any matches for me. I used this time to spend as much quality time with my family as possible, I became a parent for a second time. I had my hands full for six months even without a racquet in my hand.”

Djokovic will face the winner of the Gael Monfils-Jaume Munar match in the second round.