Defending champion Roger Federer cruises into round three

Defending champion Roger Federer has moved into the Australian Open third round with a clinical win over German Jan-Lennard Struff on Thursday evening at Melbourne Park.

Roger Federer cruises into 3rd round. Source: AAP

The temperature in Melbourne still sat above 30 degrees during the night session at Rod Laver Arena, but the title favourite looked comfortable in his 6-4 6-4 7-6 (7-4) victory over the world No.55.

Gunning for his sixth Open crown and 20th major Federer will now take on French veteran Richard Gasquet as he makes a third-round appearance for the 19th consecutive year.

Federer has only lost to world No.31 Gasquet twice in 18 meetings.