Novak Djokovic started his bid for a third consecutive Australian Open title with a 6-2, 6-4,7-5 win today over veteran Frenchman Paul-Henri Mathieu. Top-ranked Djokovic faced only three break points in the match, saving them all, and lifted his tempo when it counted most. Maria Sharapova and Venus Williams had nearly flawless opening matches in the women's draw earlier in the day. No. 2-ranked Sharapova finished her first match of the year in 55 minutes, cruising to a 6-0, 6-0 win over Olga Puchkova to start proceedings on center court at the Australian Open without showing any signs of trouble with her sore right collarbone. Sharapova has a potential third-round match against Venus Williams, who needed just an hour for her opening 6-1, 6-0 win over Galina Voskoboeva of Kazakhstan.Williams played with power and determination and took command of the match early with a steady stream of winners and powerful serves.