Federer needs 83 minutes to advance

MELBOURNE, Jan. 16 (UPI) -- World No. 1 Roger Federer needed only 83 minutes Monday to reach the second round of the 2006 Australian Open.

The Swiss star knocked off qualifier Denis Istomin in second-day action at the season's first Grand Slam event, rolling to a 6-2, 6-3, 6-2 victory.

Federer, 24, reigning Wimbledon and U.S. Open champ, lost a five-set battle to eventual champion Marat Safin in last year's Australian Open semifinals. Safin withdrew from this year's tournament last week due to an ongoing knee injury.

Belgian Olivier Rochus was also an easy winner in his first-round bout, as he beat France's Michael Llodra 6-4, 6-2, 6-2.