Defending Champs Williams, Djokovic Advance at Aussie Open

MELBOURNE, Australia — Serena Williams and Novak Djokovic opened their title defenses with straight-set wins at the Australian Open in back-to-back matches on Rod Laver Arena.

The most dominant players in tennis entered the season's first major after contrasting preparations, with Williams having to overcome a left knee problem that limited her court time and Djokovic warming up with a run to the title at Doha.

Williams made a bright start, in a way, holding up one finger and twirling in her neon yellow two-piece outfit to celebrate her 6-4, 7-5 over Camila Giorgi on Monday. Djokovic had a 6-3, 6-2, 6-4 win over Chung Hyeon of South Korea.

Williams and Djokovic each won three of the four major…