Roger Federer has begun his campaign for a record-equalling seventh Australian Open title with a convincing 6-3 6-2 6-2 opening-round victory over American Steve Johnson.

Federer was largely untroubled on Monday in ending the challenge of Johnson, setting up a second-round clash with French qualifier Quentin Halys or Serb Filip Krajinovic.

Novak Djokovic holds the record for most men’s Australian Open singles titles with seven, including last year’s triumph over Rafael Nadal.