Melbourne - Australian Open organizers were breathing a sigh of relief after 2008 finalist Jo-Wilfriend Tsonga declared himself fit enough to play after a back injury scare.

"I'm feeling much better than the previous days and excited to go out there," said the fifth seed. "I was very worried because it's the kind of injury that you never know when it stops."

Melbourne  - Ana Ivanovic led a trio of seeds to opening-day victories Monday at the Australian Open, with Serbia's former number one defeating German Julia Goerges 7-5, 6-3.

Fifth seed Ivanovic was followed into the second round by Russian number seven Vera Zvonareva, a 7-6 (7-2), 6-0 winner over Slovak Magdalena Rybarikova.

French ingenue Alize Cornet, the 15th seed, completed the early sweep against Mariya Koryttseva of the Ukraine 6-3, 6-4.

Melbourne  - Roger Federer knows he's in tennis for the long haul, now expecting to figure in the sport well beyond the 2012 London Olympics.

With his immediate objective a fourth Australian Open title as the first Grand Slam of the season began on Monday, the 27-year-old has - as always - cast his eye well into the future.

"I want to do well not only this year but many more years to come," said the 13-time Grand Slam champion. "I don't feel like this year is my last chance to either win the French Open or pick up a few Slams more easily.

Melbourne  - Roger Federer was all business at the Australian Open player party, putting in a quick appearance before making an exit out the back door to return to his peace and tranquility prior to his Monday start.

The Swiss second seed was concentrating his energies on stopping first-round opponent Andreas Seppi, with little time for socializing.

Federer's pit stop at the Mexican restaurant in the Crown casino complex, where he has stayed for some years during the annual Grand Slam event, was as well-choreographed as his straight-set wins on court.

Melbourne, Jan. 18 : Thirteen-time Grand Slam winner Roger Federer has said that those who harbour the dream of unseating him, would have to put up `heck of a performance to beat me’.

He is not uncomfortable admitting he expects to win. Having won the Grand Slams he has, that is not arrogance - it is realism.

Last year, he was below physical fitness here, but he won the last slam of the year in New York when he had finally recovered his fitness and form.

"It''s going to take a heck of a performance from one of the players to win this tournament so it''s going to be interesting," he said after winning the AAMI Classic exhibition tournament.

Melbourne  - The pressure has been miraculously reduced for Roger Federer as the Swiss prepares to start his Australian Open with a Monday night opening match against Italian Andreas Seppi.

With his title-grabbing juggernaut slowed from 2008, the world number two begins the bid for a fourth Melbourne Park title in six years in a remarkably relaxed state of mind.

"It's a bit nicer not having to defend almost every week I play," the second seed said on Sunday before heading out the the practise courts. "I guess that's the nice part about it.