Four-time champion Roger Federer has strolled into the second round of the Australian Open, continuing his hot start to the year.

Federer downed Taiwan’s Yen-Hsun Lu 6-4 6-2 7-5 on Monday night, taking less than two hours to dispatch the world No.47.

Federer was rarely ruffled in his first clash of the year on Rod Laver Arena, with Lu failing to make the most of either of his four break-point chances.

The second seed, seeking to add an 18th grand slam title to his long list of accolades, next faces Italian Simone Bolelli on Wednesday.

Federer has failed to reach the final in Melbourne since last triumphing in 2010.

But after banking his 1000th tour win and bagging an 83rd ATP title at the season-opening Brisbane International, the 33-year-old looms as Novak Djokovic’s biggest threat in 2015.