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Djokovic makes stunning statement on return

Novak Djokovic has dominated World No.5 Dominic Thiem in his first competitive match in six months.

In a huge boost to his Australian Open chances, the former World No.1 blitzed Thiem 6-1, 6-4 at the Kooyong Classic on Wednesday.

It was Djokovic's first match since losing in the Wimbledon quarter-finals in July, missing six months with an elbow injury.

Wearing a full arm sleeve, Djokovic showed no signs of the injury and was able to serve at full pace.

What a comeback! Image: Getty
What a comeback! Image: Getty

He even took a cheeky dig at Nick Kyrgios when asked about it.

"It feels good," he said. "Feels like Kyrgios serving with the sleeve on."

"Now I know his secret!" he laughed.

The stunning victory looks to have dispelled any doubts over Djokovic's fitness for the first grand slam of the year, which begins on Monday.

"It was a fantastic test for me to see where I am, to see what we have done as a team and whether it works on the court and it works pretty well," Djokovic said.

"Especially the serve - that was the biggest question mark because of the elbow, that shot in my game was compromised.

"I don't want to be over-confident but I'm very, very happy with the way it went today."

Djokovic will play in the Tie-break Tens in Melbourne on Wednesday night, alongside world No.1 Rafael Nadal, who has also had injury concerns.

He may also return for another match at Kooyong.

He said his preparation for a tilt at a seventh crown wasn't ideal but it was enough.

"It would be ideal if I got another tournament under my belt before the Australian Open but my elbow wasn't ready."

with AAP