Novak Djokovic’s bid for a much-wanted Olympic gold medal began in style with a 6-0 6-1 demolition of Matthew Ebden.

Serbia’s Djokovic has won almost everything there is in tennis but has never bettered his bronze from Beijing 2008.

He needed just 53 minutes to beat Australia’s Ebden, who was playing his first singles match for two years.

Ebden did, however, win over the crowd with his self-effacing reaction to what was unfolding on court.

Djokovic, a 24-time Grand Slam champion and top seed in Paris, could potentially face long-time rival Rafael Nadal next.

Spain’s Nadal is in singles action later in the week against Hungary’s Marton Fucsovics.

Reigning French Open and Wimbledon champion Carlos Alcaraz also made quick progress, beating Lebanese Hady Habib 6-3 6-1.