Federer's thumbs-up on injury in Open win

MELBOURNE: Swiss great Roger Federer reported no discomfort from his back injury as he cruised into the second round of the Australian Open on Monday.

Federer, who pulled out of this month's Qatar Open with back spasms in only the second injury retirement of his illustrious career, mastered mystery Russian opponent Alexander Kudryavtsev.

The all-time grand slam champion spent just 1hr 38min on Rod Laver Arena in administering a 7-5, 6-2, 6-2 win over the 172-ranked Kudryavtsev.

Federer will next play German Andreas Beck. He is chasing his fifth Australian title and now has not lost in the first round in 13 visits to Melbourne.

Most interest was what shape the 16-time grand slam champion, now 30, would be in after his recent setback in Qatar.

Federer, who had never played Kudryavtsev before and had to scour the Internet for some tips about the Russian, broke serve six times and lost his service once in the final set. (AFP)