Roger Federer has sealed a simple passage through to the second round of the Australian Open, defeating Denis Istomin with trademark ease on Monday night.

The Swiss legend downed the world No.101 6-3 6-4 6-4 on Rod Laver Arena without losing serve, taking one hour and 57 minutes to dispatch the Uzbek.

The two-time defending champion’s success was his 59th consecutive first-round victory at major tournaments, a run dating back to the 2003 French Open.