Shock defeat won't panic Novak

Novak Djokovic suffered a shock firstround defeat in the Brisbane International today just a fortnight before he defends his Australian Open title.

The world No3 lost 6-4, 6-4 to former training partner Ernests Gulbis, who is 50 places lower in the rankings. Facing the prospect of going into the Open with only one competitive match under his belt this season, Djokovic immediately got a wildcard into next week's Sydney International.

Despite losing, the Serb insisted: "I am not panicking. The Australian Open is my highest goal for this part of the year and I really want to play well there. It's the first match, so I'm not going to be pessimistic. I have a lot of time now to prepare for the Aussie Open."

Djokovic's defeat, though, is still a boost for Andy Murray, who is hoping to clinch his first Grand Slam and began his season by beating Roger Federer and Rafael Nadal at an exhibition event in Abu Dhabi last week.

The British No1's brother, Jamie, and new partner Dusan Vemic successfully came through their first test, beating Austrians Julian Knowle and Jurgen Melzer 6-7, 6-2, 10-4 in Brisbane.

Murray said: "Melzer and Knowle have a great record so it was a good win for us."