Roger Federer matched Novak Djokovic in delivering an impressive first-round win at the Australian Open.
Two-time defending champion Djokovic crushed Paul-Henri Mathieu on Monday to send a marker to his title rivals. But Federer was equally as dominant on Tuesday afternoon in a straight-sets victory over Benoit Paire.
Four-time Melbourne winner Federer followed Andy Murray on court and eased past Frenchman Paire 6-2 6-4 6-1 in his first match of 2013.
Federer said: "Benoit's a good player, a good talent. I haven't played a match this season yet and you're not sure [how you're going to play]. That's why you're relieved when you get through the first one."
The Swiss, who will next face either Israel's Dudi Sela or former world number three Nikolay Davydenko of Russia, hopes his decision to play no warm-up matches does not come back to haunt him.
"I've had a few busy years since I had kids," he said. "I just wanted to cool down a bit. It's nice to enjoy the off season.
"I hope it's the right decision, we'll see how it goes. I'm confident in my play."
Jo-Wilfried Tsonga, the runner-up here in 2008, is regarded as a threat to Federer, Djokovic and Murray, especially if can raise his game late in the second week, and he too looked good in seeing off French compatriot Michael Llodra 6-4 7-5 6-2.
The same applies to Argentinian Juan Martin Del Potro, who dropped just five games in beating French qualifier Adrian Mannarino.
Big-hitting Canadian Milos Raonic dropped the first set but hit back to beat Jan Hajek in four while there were also wins for 17th seed Philipp Kohlschreiber and 21st seed Andreas Seppi.
