Australian Open 2014: Roger Federer defeats Blaz Kavcic in first match away from the Rod Laver Arena in 10 years

Federer progressed to the third round with a 6-2 6-1 7-6 (7-4) win over Kavcic on the Hisense Arena court

Roger Federer came through his first match away from the Rod Laver Arena in 10 years by defeating Blaz Kavcic at the Australian Open (GETTY IMAGES)

Roger Federer found Hisense Arena to his liking as he eased to a second-round victory over Blaz Kavcic at the Australian Open.

It was 10 years ago that Federer, who is competing in a record 57th straight grand slam, last played a match away from Melbourne Park's main court, Rod Laver Arena.

The scheduling reflected Federer's current status among the also-rans of the top 10, but if he can maintain the form he showed in his 6-2 6-1 7-6 (7/4) victory over the next 10 days then he may yet have a say at the business end of the tournament.

The roof was closed, meaning the pair were spared the worst of the searing heat that had seen play on uncovered courts suspended, but Federer seemed keen to race through the match as quickly as possible nonetheless.

He broke serve in the opening game of the match on his way to taking the first set and then raced into a 3-0 lead in the second.

Slovenian Kavcic, ranked 99th in the world, had the satisfaction of breaking the Federer serve but he swiftly found himself two sets down.

Kavcic fared much better in the third set and will be kicking himself that he did not take it after leading 3-0 in the tie-break.

But Federer reeled off five points in a row and then took his first match point when, having made one diving volley, Kavcic could not manage a second.

PA