MELBOURNE, Australia - Playing his first Grand Slam match as a major winner, Andy Murray looked quite comfortable in his return to the Australian Open.

Murray beat Robin Haase of the Netherlands 6-3, 6-1, 6-3 in the opening round at Melbourne Park on Tuesday.

Asked what it felt like to play after his triumph at the U.S. Open, where he became the first British man since 1936 to win a major title, the third-ranked Murray said: "I can try and focus on the second part of my career now."

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The 25-year-old Murray seemed more at ease and relaxed than he has been in previous trips to the season's first major.

"It was a good start, nice to win in straight sets," he said. "It was the hottest day we've had for a while so the court was playing much quicker."

After a record heat wave early last week, the last few days in Melbourne have been cool. The temperature was heading toward 84 degrees when Murray was on Rod Laver Arena.

It's been 12 months since Murray started working with eight-time major winner Ivan Lendl, and he attributes much of the success in his breakthrough 2012 to his partnership with his new coach.

It's relaxed "in front of the cameras, yeah," Murray joked. "Behind closed doors he works me very hard.

"We've had a very good relationship so far. He's very honest, very open. He doesn't lie to you, he tells you exactly how it is and that's exactly what I needed."

Federer opens with easy win

Roger Federer opened the campaign for his 18th Grand Slam title by beating Benoit Paire 6-2, 6-4, 6-1 in the first round of the Australian Open on Tuesday.

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The No. 2-seeded Federer dictated the match, sending his 23-year-old French opponent chasing balls around center court.

Down 3-0 in the third set, Paire tumbled and skidded into the net as he tried and failed to reach a shot.

Federer, 31, is bidding for his fifth Australian Open title.

The Swiss star landed in the same half of the draw as No. 3 Andy Murray, meaning they could potentially meet in the semifinals. Federer could face a final against top-ranked Novak Djokovic, who is aiming for a third consecutive Australian Open title.

Tsonga cruises into second round

Former finalist Jo-Wilfried Tsonga cruised to a 6-4, 7-5, 6-2 win over fellow Frenchman Michael Llodra in a first-round match Tuesday at the Australian Open.

Serving for the match, Tsonga hit a backhand drop half-volley at the net, then powered a forehand to the open court on match point to advance to the second round at Melbourne Park.
Tsonga, seeded seventh, had his best result in a Grand Slam when he made the final of the 2008 Australian Open, losing to Novak Djokovic in the title match.

Del Potro breezes into Round 2

Former U.S. Open champion Juan Martin del Potro has advanced to the second round of the Australian Open with a 6-1, 6-2, 6-2 win over French qualifier Adrian Mannarino.

The sixth-seeded del Potro, who beat Rafael Nadal in the 2009 U.S. Open semifinals and Roger Federer in the final, had a strong 2012 with four titles in five finals after recovering from the right wrist injury that kept him on the sidelines for most of 2010.