Roger Federer has started his Australian Open title defence in the best way possible, according to Eurosport expert Michael Stich.

The world number one crushed Argentine player Diego Hartfield 6-0 6-3 6-0 in his opening round match on Rod Laver arena, without appearing to break sweat.

And German legend Stich, who won Wimbledon in 1991, said that the Swiss player's tactics, especially on his serve, would stand him in good stead later on in the tournament.

"It was the perfect way to start," Stich told Eurosport. "He was never really tested, but he tried to mix up the play in quite a clever way. That probably made the match a lot easier for him than it could have been.

"He just has this way about him. He mixes up the play. Even his serve.

"Look at another great player like Pete Samprass. His serve was always like a bullet. With Federer you never know, as an opponent, what's coming at you. Sometimes he puts spin on it, sometimes slice. The power alters. It's so difficult to play against a player like that."

Federer's constant striving to improve his all-round game is what differentiates him from the other players in the world's top echelon, according to Stich.

"He's the best in the world, but he is still trying to improve in every area. Look at how much work he is putting into trying to make his backhand a real weapon. He's the best backhand slicer in the game, but he's still trying to master the knife backhand too.

"That attitude of always trying to make yourself better, that's what makes him such a great champion.

"He keeps on doing that and nobody will get close to him on grass or hardcourts for a few years yet," he added.

Stich believes that Federer's second round opponent Fabrice Santoro, the world number 36, will be a tougher opponent, but that his class will still shine through.

"I like Santoro," he added. "He's a hustler, he's fun on the court, he plays great tennis. He'll give Roger much more than he faced today.

"Roger will still win though."

Eurosport