Roger Federer has cast aside any doubts over his form or fitness with a clinical demolition of Tomas Berdych in the Australian Open third round.

The four-time Open champion rolled back the years on Friday night with a 6-2 6-4 6-4 win over the 10th-seeded Czech in just one hour and 29 minutes in front of an adoring crowd.

The majesty of Federer’s all-round game was on full display on Rod Laver Arena.

What was supposed to be the real test of Federer’s first official tournament since last year’s Wimbledon more closely resembled a walkover.

Federer didn’t all face a break point all night, winning 39 of 41 points when his first serve landed.

Lleyton Hewitt called it a “massive statement”.

John McEnroe said the rest of the field would need to “watch out”.

And Berdych could only laugh as winner after winner sailed past him.

The 17-time major winner said even he was taken aback by some of his own play.

“I couldn’t be happier right now,” he said.

“I felt like I struggled in the early rounds but today was different. It was unbelievable and I did surprise myself.”

Such was his dominance, a magical 18th major title cannot be discounted.

His route to a final is arduous – next comes fifth seed Kei Nishikori, with world No.1 Andy Murray lurking as a possible quarter-final opponent.

Federer said he’d felt prepared for Sunday’s fourth-round match off the back of the vintage showing.

“I guess I’m ready now,” he laughed.

“He has maybe the best backhand in the business now, I’ve got my work cut out.”

Federer ripped 40 winners through the contest, including 10 backhand winners to nil.

McEnroe was awe-struck in commentating for ESPN, saying Federer recalled the “bionic man” and made Berdych “look like No.100 in the world, not No.10”.

“He’s putting on an absolute clinic,” he said.