Four-time Australian Open champion Roger Federer and defending champion Angelique Kerber began play on Monday at Melbourne Park. Both advanced to the second round.

Federer defeated veteran Jurgen Melzer, 7-5, 3-6, 6-2, 6-2. Despite playing in Hopman Cup, it was his first true action since his defeat at the hands of Milos Raonic at Wimbledon last summer. The Swiss star was forced to miss last season’s US Open as part of his hiatus from the game due to surgery and recovery.

Federer was sharp throughout portions of the match which never felt in question. He struck crisp groundstrokes, dictated play and constructed points at times in a manner so many have become accustomed to over the years.  Even though he is now 35, he reminded those in attendance why he has earned the distinction as one of the all-time greats.

The veteran, who opted for surgery last year so that he can remain competitive for a few more years, made it clear that he still has goals. “It was a long road, but I made it,” Federer said. “Hope I can stick around a little bit. This match tonight was more about how I coped with my comeback,” he continued. “I'm happy with how it went. It's only going to get easier.”

Perhaps it will be easier to continue to cope with his comeback, however on paper, he has some difficult opposition in front of him with potential matchups against Tomas Berdych, Kei Nishikori, and Andy Murray if he is to return to the finals.

But for tennis fans and those in attendance, Federer between the lines once more was a welcome site.

Melzer and Federer are no strangers to each other as they have competed against each other for years. Both are 35 years of age and are considered friends.

“To win, to be out there, to play Jurgen was cool,” Federer said afterward. “It's nice speaking to the crowd at the end, feeling like I'm part of the tournament, making strides.”

Meanwhile, defending champion Kerber began the defense of her title with a 6-2, 5-7, 6-2 win over Lesia Tsurenko.

It didn’t take long before the German found her stride as she bolted out to take the first set. But Tsurenko proved that she was in the match for the long haul, fighting back against the world no. 1. Kerber was at 3-1 in the second set when the Ukrainian turned the tide sending notice that she would not go away easily.

Kerber gained control of the match with a key service break midway through the deciding set. She would finally close out the competitive match.

“From the beginning, I was trying to play my game. I played a good match. There was a little bit where I didn't play too good. I make some simple mistakes in the second set, at the end of the second set,” Kerber said. “But first round matches are always tough.”