World No.1 Novak Djokovic is hoping his sense of belonging on Rod Laver Arena will help him successfully defend the Australian Open title he won 12 months ago.
Djokovic has been in imperious form in his first two matches at Melbourne Park, dropping a combined eight games in his wins over Paolo Lorenzi and Santiago Giraldo this week.
The 2008 and 2011 champion does not agree that walking onto Rod Laver Arena gives him a sense of invincibility, but admits he feels very comfortable on the big stage.
"I don't think anybody is invincible," he said. "It's a matter of the confidence that you have, self-belief on the court, qualities as a player, being out there physically, mentally fit, being able to perform your best on a day-to-day basis."
"It's true, probably this court is one of the most successful courts in my career. I've had two titles here, 2008 and last year. Coming back to that court is always bringing me nicest memories."
"I like the conditions, the speed of the court, the balls, everything. It is true from one side that when I step in there I feel that I belong there, that I know what to do, that I feel more confident maybe than the other courts around the world."
While Djokovic has progressed to the final 32 with ridiculous ease, he admits he is always aware of lower-credentialed opponents lifting their game in the atmosphere of centre court.
"A win is a win, however it comes to you. I try obviously to not underestimate any opponents in early rounds," he said.
"This is a Grand Slam, the most prestigious - one of the four most prestigious tournaments in our sport, and everybody has a lot of motivation to perform their best, especially on the centre court, on the big stage."
"Santiago came out early hitting the ball quite flat. But I knew that, you know, sooner or later he's going to drop the rhythm and I just have to hang in there. I've done a good job."
Despite both being on the ATP Tour for a long time, Djokovic hasn't met Nicolas Mahut on the court since 2006, when the then teenager, got past the Frenchman in straight sets.
Twelve months earlier, it was Mahut who knocked off Djokovic at a challenger match in Cherbourg, France.
"I remember (that match). It's been a long time ago. I think we had just maybe one or two matches we played against each other," he said.
"Look, he's a very talented player. Has a nice one-handed backhand. He's somebody that prefers, I think, faster courts and surfaces. Plays very nice on grass and had that epic match with Isner."
"He uses his serve really well, I think, has really nice precision. Is one of the rare serve-and-volley players nowadays."
Djokovic is hoping that if he meets Mahut on Rod Laver Arena on Saturday he can use his experience in the big matches to overcome the resurgent Frenchman, who has come back from outside the top 150 18 months ago to be No.81 in the world.
"I guess if we get to play on the centre court or any of the bigger courts, I will try to use my, let's say, experience playing on those courts. I think surface here is a bit slower and bounce is a little bit higher, so maybe it's more suitable to my style of the game," he said.
"Now it's the third round already the opponents are definitely getting tougher."