Roger Federer vs. Nikoloz Basilashvili: Score, Reaction for 2016 Australian Open

Four-time champion Roger Federer cruised through the opening round at the 2016 Australian Open on Monday as he thrashed Nikoloz Basilashvili 6-2, 6-1, 6-2 on the Rod Laver Arena.

The Swiss put in a serene performance as he registered the victory in 72 minutes to get his Melbourne campaign off to the perfect start.

Basilashvili, ranked No. 118 in the world, simply could not get into the match as Federer showed fantastic touch around the court.

The Georgian was a break down early on in the opener as Federer forced an opportunity with a glorious backhand down the line, Basilashvili double faulting to go 2-1 down, per Eurosport:

"

As we cut to our Live and Excl #AusOpen coverage on E1, @rogerfederer shows his class with a winner down the line https://t.co/O7cQtglKze

— Eurosport UK TV (@EurosportUKTV) January 18, 2016"

Basilashvili stayed in the contest with some decent battling tennis, but he went a double break down and surrendered the first set in 23 minutes.

It got worse for the underdog as Federer showed poise and control to rush into a 4-0 lead in the second set.

His serving was immaculate, and he dragged Basilashvili back and forth across the court.

A combination of excellent, clean hitting on his groundstrokes—the majority of which were taken remarkably early—and fine net play saw the 34-year-old pummel his opponent.

Basilashvili avoided the second-set bagel by getting a game on the board with a decent service hold, but he could do nothing to prevent Federer's inevitable cruise to victory.

A quartet of exchanged service games opened the third set before Federer turned up the intensity once more to go 4-2 ahead with a break.

It looked so easy for the Swiss great, his serve barely being troubled with his opponent unable to force any opportunities.

With Basilashvili serving to stay in the match, Federer slapped a crosscourt forehand into the corner to earn two match points.

The Georgian saved the first but could do nothing against Federer's barrage to extend the match any further, and the world No. 3 booked his place in the second round without breaking a sweat.

He will now face Alexandr Dolgopolov after the Ukrainian beat Ricardas Berankis in four sets in his opening round.

Post-match Reaction

Federer started 2016 with a final defeat to Milos Raonic at the Brisbane International, but he was suffering with illness during that tournament, per Reuters (via the Guardian).

He looked in fighting form on Monday, though, and was clearly delighted to have made such a terrific start as he attempts to add another grand slam to his career haul of 17, per Jacob Steinberg in the Guardian:

"It’s a nice opening. I’m happy I played so well. I agree I played great. I’m feeling much better than I did in Brisbane."