World no. 1 Novak Djokovic overcame Nicolas Mahut 6-0, 6-1, 6-1 in just an hour and 14 minutes.

Djokovic, the Australian Open defending champion has not dropped a set in his three matches so far.

Mahut, 30 today, kept plugging away but Djokovic eased over the line to keep his challenge firmly on track.

The Frenchman smiled in acknowledging the cheers of the crowd, but it did not spark an improvement in his fortunes as Djokovic continued to move him around, exposing his condition.

Djokovic was in no mood to show any mercy despite Mahut’s heavily bandaged left leg due to injury which was clearly a hindrance in his movements.

Despite his injury and several on-court discussions with the trainer, Mahut showed the gritty determination that marked his 2010 Wimbledon epic against John Isner to complete the match.

Djokovic’s victory last year was the first of three Grand Slam titles in an outstanding 2011 and the Serb has yet to drop a set in three matches in Melbourne in 2012.

The top seed Serb will be facing Australia’s Lleyton Hewitt on the fourth round.