Novak Djokovic won in his return from injury as one of three former champions on the court. USA TODAY Sports
MELBOURNE — Roger Federer successfully opened defense of his Australian Open title by taking a 6-3, 6-4, 6-3 first-round win over Aljaz Bedene of Slovenia on Tuesday night.
The 36-year-old Federer has a lot at stake here in Melbourne. The second seed, Federer is looking to earn his sixth Australian Open title, and 20th overall Grand Slam singles trophy. If he pulls off a victory here, it would be his fourth Grand Slam trophy earned since he turned 30.
John McEnroe interviewed Federer, and then welcomed comedian Will Ferrell onto the court to ask Federer some humorous questions. Ferrell described Federer as an on court “gazelle,” and then asked him if he was some kind of “witch or a vampire” because of his continued great success.
Taking a more serious tone to McEnroe’s questions, Federer said, “I think my dream was always to play for a long time on tour. I didn’t expect myself to play this well and come back here as the defending champion, but I’ll take it.”
Related: Australian Open: Novak Djokovic gets straight-sets win in return from injury
More: Ex-champs Maria Sharapova, Angelique Kerber advance
More: Rafael Nadal rolls to first-round win
Federer’s first-round record at the majors is impressive. He’s not lost his first match at a Grand Slam since he fell to Luis Horna at the 2003 French Open, which was 56 Grand Slams ago for the Swiss.
Federer’s victory left the 51st-ranked Bedene still hoping for a match victory in Melbourne. This was his sixth time playing the Australian Open without recording a win.
In just three sets played, Federer posted 41 winners to 21 for Bedene in the 1-hour, 39-minute match.
Federer saved the two break points he faced in the match, while taking advantage of four of 13 break opportunities presented to him by Bedene.
Gallery: Best from the Aussie Open early rounds
