Novak Djokovic started the defence of his Australian Open title by dropping just six games in a dominant win over France's Jeremy Chardy in Melbourne.

Austrian third seed Dominic Thiem, German sixth seed Alexander Zverev and Australia's Nick Kyrgios also won.

But French 10th seed Gael Monfils broke into tears after being on the receiving end of the biggest shock so far.

There appeared little danger of world number one Djokovic suffering an upset on Monday once the draw was made - and so it proved.

Chardy had never won a set against the 17-time Grand Slam champion and it was another chastening experience for the 33-year-old.

Djokovic, who is aiming for a record-extending ninth title at Melbourne Park, hit cleanly and confidently in a one-sided win on Rod Laver Arena.

"There is an ongoing love affair with me and this court. I wanted to start off well," he said.

On what he also describes his favourite court, Kyrgios was at his entertaining best on John Cain Arena as he beat Portuguese qualifier Frederico Ferreira Silva.

The home fans watching on court enjoyed seeing the 25-year-old produce some fun and effective tennis - as well as some audible frustrations directed at his team - in a 6-4 6-4 6-4 win.

An audacious drop-shot winner from between his legs as he approached victory in the third set was a particular highlight and led to a standing ovation from the socially distanced fans.

On the atmosphere, Kyrgios told the crowd: "It was special, I'm super appreciative of you guys coming out and it felt normal. I hope we can continue it.

"I thought my level was pretty average, I've not played a Grand Slam match in over a year.

"I was nervous and knew I wouldn't be able to play anywhere near my best. I'm happy I got through."

Germany's Alexander Zverev overcame some early frustration to fight back and beat American Marcos Giron.

The sixth seed destroyed a racquet after failing to serve out the second set to level, but took the tie-break and won 6-7 (8-10) 7-6 (7-5) 6-3 6-2.

Austrian third seed Dominic Thiem, last year's beaten finalist, started his bid to go a step better with a relatively straightforward win over Kazakhstan's Mikhail Kukushkin.

US Open champion Thiem needed a tie-break to clinch the opening set before taking control to win 7-6 (7-2) 6-2 6-3.

'I have zero confidence' - a tearful Monfils reveals struggles

French 10th seed Gael Monfils broke into tears after being on the receiving end of the biggest shock so far.

Monfils, 34, lost in five sets to 21-year-old Emi Ruusuvuori of Finland.

"I lost, I have zero confidence, I played badly," said Monfils, a two-time Grand Slam semi-finalist.

"I know that I have lost a lot and it hurts me. I would like to wake up and tell myself that this nightmare is over, but I don't know when it will stop."

Swiss 17th seed Stan Wawrinka, who won the title in 2014, made light work of Portugal's Pedro Sousa, winning 6-3 6-2 6-4 in one hour and 36 minutes.

Canadian 14th seed Milos Raonic also raced through his opening match, beating Argentina's Federico Coria in a 6-3 6-3 6-2 victory that was one minute faster than Wawrinka's.