Returning Roger Federer passes Australian Open test

Swiss 17-time Grand Slam champion Roger Federer won his first match at the Australian Open on Monday after coming off a injury-blighted 2016.

Federer downed his one-time junior rival Jurgen Melzer of Austria 7-5, 3-6, 6-2, 6-2 in 2hr 6min on Rod Laver Arena.

The Swiss 17th seed will now play American qualifier Noah Rubin in the second round.

“It’s nice to be playing normal tennis again and I couldn’t be happier to be back,” said Federer, who missed the second half of last season through injury.

“I hope I can stick around for a bit longer yet.”