'Special moment' revs up Roger

Roger Federer said it was a "special moment" to return to the big stage as he passed a first-round test at the Australian Open on Monday.

The 17-time Grand Slam champion, back in action after a six-month injury layoff, downed his one-time junior rival Jurgen Melzer of Austria 7-5, 3-6, 6-2, 6-2 in just over two hours at Rod Laver Arena.

The Swiss 17th seed will now play American qualifier Noah Rubin in the second round.