Novak Djokovic - Profile

Novak Djokovic: Defending champion at Melbourne Park

Novak Djokovic may not have proven invincible in 2012 but he is still very much the man to beat at the season's first Grand Slam.

The Serb was unable to defend his Wimbledon and US Open titles last year, meaning the Australian Open is the only major title which he will be attempting to retain this season.

Melbourne Park has proved the 25-year-old's most fruitful venue of the Slams with his maiden major secured in 2008 before back-to-back triumphs in 2011 and 2012.

The Australian crowd also witnessed the world No.1 at the height of his Herculean powers last year, overcoming Andy Murray after almost five hours before conquering Rafael Nadal in the longest ever Grand Slam final.

The five-time major champion brings momentum from ending last season on a high, winning the ATP World Tour Finals for the first time to regain top spot in the rankings.

Djokovic boasted a 20-match unbeaten run in the hardcourt majors heading into his ill-fated final clash with Andy Murray at the US Open and ended the year with an impressive 45-4 record on his favoured surface.

Having opted against taking part in any competitive preparation in recent years, Djokovic has warmed up for this year's event by taking part in the Hopman Cup, starting his campaign with a surprise defeat to Bernard Tomic.

However, expect no such shocks in Melbourne for the Serb, who has reached the semi-finals or better in the last 10 majors, as he looks to claim at hat-trick of titles Down Under.