Federer Sweeps Past Qualifier; Notches 60th Match Win In Melbourne

© Getty ImagesRoger Federer has now won 60 match at Melbourne Park.

Third seed Roger Federer, who is bidding to become the second man in Australian Open history to win five titles, got his campaign off to a strong start with a 7-5, 6-2, 6-2 win over Russian qualifier Alexander Kudryavtsev on Monday.

It was the Swiss superstar's 60th match win at Melbourne Park (60-8 overall). Federer hit 14 aces and 43 winners in the first-time meeting, which lasted one hour and 38 minutes on Rod Laver Arena. Kudryavtsev, making his Grand Slam championship debut, committed 42 unforced errors.

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"I'm always excited," said Federer on returning to the Australian Open. "I felt it actually walking down that Walk of Champions, getting out on court and feeling like, you know what, I have good intensity and I am really excited to see the Aussie crowd. I was anxious to find out how I was going to play, how my opponent was going to play me. I was really excited and a little nervous actually going into it, which was a good feeling to have. I'm looking forward to the other matches."

Federer won his four titles in 2004 (d. Safin), 2006 (d. Baghdatis), 2007 (d. Gonzalez) and 2010 (d. Murray).

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Federer's compatriot and No. 21 seed Stanislas Wawrinka experienced very few problems in defeating Benoit Paire of France 6-1, 6-1, 7-5 in 90 minutes. Last year's quarter-finalist converted seven of 11 break point opportunities and committed 20 unforced errors.

American John Isner, the No. 16 seed, will next meet David Nalbandian of Argentina after he hit 19 aces and 40 winners to beat Australian Benjamin Mitchell 6-4, 6-4, 7-6(1) in one hour and 44 minutes. "It's a task and an obstacle I'm looking forward to tackling and seeing how I do," said Isner.

Unseeded Cypriot Marcos Baghdatis, who reached the 2006 final, was in an aggressive mood against Benjamin Becker of Germany with a 6-1, 7-6(5), 6-2 victory. Baghdatis dropped three points on first serve, hitting 18 aces and 38 winners in the one hour and 44-minute encounter.