Intense heat and torrential rain played havoc at the Australian Open on Tuesday, but Novak Djokovic and Andy Murray battled past their opponents and the elements to emerge with momentous victories.

Djokovic swept past Spain's Roberto Carballes Baena to launch his bid for a 10th Australian Open title Tuesday, with the Serb enjoying a rousing reception following his deportation a year ago.

The 35-year-old showed few signs of the hamstring niggle he picked up in Adelaide this month as he raced to victory on Rod Laver Arena 6-3, 6-4, 6-0.

After not being able to play last year over his Covid vaccination stance, there were concerns over how he might be received by fans in Melbourne.

But, as in Adelaide, the fourth seed walked out to loud cheers and chants of "Nole", with vocal backing during the match from a stadium awash with Serbian flags.

"Thank you for giving me such a welcoming reception that I could only dream of," said Djokovic, who is chasing a record-equalling 22nd major title. "I feel really happy that I'm back here in Australia and on the court where I have had the biggest success in my career.

"Definitely this court is the most special court in my life and I couldn't ask for a better start to the tournament."

MURRAY SILENCES HIS DOUBTERS

Andy Murray said he had silenced the doubters after defeating Italian 13th seed Matteo Berrettini in five gruelling sets to book a spot in the Australian Open second round.

His renowned grit was on full display in saving match point to topple the Italian 6-3, 6-3, 4-6, 6-7 (7/9), 7-6 (10/6) in 4hrs 49mins.

"I think the last few years I've certainly questioned myself at times," said Murray, a former world number one. "There's certainly a lot of people questioned me and my ability, whether I could still perform at the biggest events and the biggest matches. I felt very proud of myself after the match. That's not something that I generally felt over the years at the end of tennis matches. I think I'm proud of the work that I put in the last few months," added Murray, who faces Thanasi Kokkinakis or Fabio Fognini next.