Melbourne, January 15:

The top-ranked Federer dropped serve three times in the first set against Bjorn Phau before rallying to win 7-5, 6-0, 6-4 and kick off the defense of his Australian Open title on Monday. Amelie Mauresmo, who claimed her first Grand Slam title last year here, also started a bit nervous and Andy Roddick had to survive a slow start against a wild-card entry ranked only 212th. Ivan Ljubicic didn’t make it, falling 4-6, 7-6 (2), 6-4, 6-4 to American Mardy Fish. Roddick beat Jo-Wilfred Tsonga 6-7 (18), 7-6 (2), 6-3, 6-3. Mauresmo dropped serve early against American Shenay Perry, but advanced 6-3, 6-4. Serena Williams ousted Mara Santangelo 6-2, 6-1.