Melbourne: Defending champion Novak Djokovic dropped his first set in the opening round of the Australian Open since 2006 on Monday before grinding down Jan-Lennard Struff to keep his quest for a record eighth title on track.

The 16-time Major winner finally got the job done 7-6 (7/5), 6-2, 2-6, 6-1 on Rod Laver Arena for his 900th career win to make the second round at Melbourne Park for a 14th consecutive year.