Eyeing a fifth Australian Open title and a return to the world No.1 ranking, defending champion Novak Djokovic has continued his low-key build-up by winning an exhibition match at Melbourne’s Kooyong.

Watched by his new coach, German legend Boris Becker, the world No.2 cruised to victory over Argentine world No.42 Juan Monaco 7-5 6-1 on Thursday.

Opting not to play in the eight-man invitation AAMI Classic tournament, Djokovic’s match tagged on the end of the day’s play.

Unlike his arch-rivals – world No.1 Rafael Nadal, Roger Federer and Andy Murray – Djokovic chose not to participate in an official ATP event before the Australian Open.

He played two matches last week at at the six-man Mubadala World Tennis Championships in Abu Dhabi where he trounced Jo-Wilfried Tsonga and David Ferrer to win the title.

Djokovic said he chose not to play any of the official warm-up tournaments because of his late finish to 2013, when he played in Serbia’s Davis Cup final loss to the Czech Republic.

He said it was a challenge to get back on the court in Australia.

“You don’t get points and it doesn’t really count winning or losing the match but of course you want to win,” the 26-year-old said of facing Monaco.

“For me I want to try to get as many matches as possible under my belt before the first round next week.”

After winning the past three Australian Open titles following his 2008 triumph, this will be his first under three-time Wimbledon champion and former No.1 Becker.

Djokovic said he hoped Becker could give him the edge to regain the top ranking.

“I’m really glad to have Boris in my team as my head coach.

“I sincerely hope that he can bring that mental edge because he recognises the situations that a top player is facing during the Grand Slams and the pressures and expectations and the clutch moments.

“That’s what we hope to work on and improve the most and a couple of other elements in my game like my serve.”