Nervy Federer finds return to action at Australian Open tougher than expected

Roger Federer admits his Australian Open comeback was harder than he expected after the 17-time grand slam champion battled past Jurgen Melzer to reach the second round.

Federer was making his first competitive appearance in more than six months in Melbourne and the Swiss emerged unscathed, beating Melzer 7-5 3-6 6-2 6-2.