Novak Djokovic won just three games in a shock 6-1 6-2 defeat by Fernando Verdasco in round two at Kooyong but insisted he will be fit and firing for the Australian Open (Novak Djokovic 11/2 Men’s Australian Open 2010).

The Serb, seeded third for the opening major of 2010, a competition he won at Melbourne Park in 2008, had no complaints but refused to panic when pressed on his humbling by the world number nine.

Djokovic (8/1 Men’s Wimbledon 2010 Outright) argued the result would have no bearing on his chances of success Down Under and that he was satisfied with his match sharpness.

“The results don’t really matter,” Djokovic said. “The main point of my participation here is to get a good practice, get some points and games before the Australian Open, which is of course my main priority.”

Djokovic said his training had gone well and that he was prepared for another endurance test in the sweltering Australian heat.

He added: “That’s what the grand slams are all about, especially here in Australia with the heat, so I feel quite good about that. And game-wise I’m happy – not with today’s match, but in general, yes.”