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[huma]

MELBOURNE: Reigning champion Novak Djokovic swept into the third round on Thursday and warned he felt more comfortable at the Australian Open than anywhere else -- although he insisted he was not "invincible".

The world number one was in imperious form in handing out a straight-sets demolition of Colombia's Santiago Giraldo to move into the last 32 at the year's opening major tournament.

The Serbian top seed cruised to a 6-3, 6-2, 6-1 win in 1hr 42min over the 56th-ranked Giraldo, and will next face Frenchman Nicolas Mahut.

Djokovic was always in command of the match on Rod Laver Arena, breaking the Colombian's serve seven times and totting up 27 winners to breeze through.

The world number one is chasing his third straight grand slam title -- and his third in Melbourne -- after winning Wimbledon and the US Open last year, which would place him in illustrious tennis company.

Only four men on five occasions have won three or more consecutive grand slams in the Open era -- Rod Laver, Pete Sampras, Rafael Nadal and Roger Federer twice.

While declaring he was not unbeatable on Rod Laver Arena, Djokovic admitted his liking for the slow hardcourt surface.

"I don't think anybody is invincible," said the supremely-confident Djokovic.

"It's a matter of the confidence that you have, self-belief on the court, qualities as a player, being out there physically, mentally fit, being able to perform your best on a day-to-day basis.

"It's true that probably this court is one of the most successful courts in my career.

"I've had two titles here, 2008 and last year, and coming back to this court always brings me the nicest memories. I like the conditions, the speed of the court, the balls, everything.

"When I step on the court I feel that I belong there, that I know what to do, that I feel more confident maybe than the other courts around the world."

Djokovic's Australian Open triumph over Andy Murray last year was the first of seven straight tournament wins in a 41-match winning streak that was finally ended by Federer in the semi-finals of the French Open.

He is a strong favourite to win again this year and at times produced some cracking shots against Giraldo.

"Santiago came out early hitting the ball quite flat," he said. "But I knew that sooner or later he's going to drop the rhythm and I just have to hang in there. I've done a good job."

Djokovic's next opponent is 81st-ranked Mahut, whom he played six years ago in Metz.

"He's a very talented player and has a nice one-handed backhand. He's somebody who prefers faster courts and surfaces," Djokovic said.

"I guess if we get to play on the centre court or any of the bigger courts, I will try to use my experience playing on those courts.

"I think the surface here is a bit slower and bounce is a little bit higher, so maybe it's more suitable to my style of the game."