The 2003 U.S. Open champion lost only nine points in the first set, sealing it in 28 minutes after setting up triple set point with consecutive aces.
Roddick, a semifinalist in Australia every alternate year since 2003, had 17 winners, nine aces and kept his unforced errors down to 10.
He came into the tournament as runner-up to fourth-ranked Andy Murray at the Qatar Open in Doha and hasn’t given up hope of winning a second major, despite the domination of Roger Federer and Rafael Nadal.
“I’m 26, so I’m not quite over the hill,” he said. Another Grand Slam title “is what I’m shooting for.”
He next plays Belgium’s Xavier Malisse, who earned a 7-6 (8), 6-1, 6-1 win over Michael Llodra of France.
Federer, bidding to equal Pete Sampras’ record 14 major titles, had a night match later Monday against Andreas Seppi of Italy.
Third-ranked Novak Djokovic, the defending champion, will play Andrea Stoppini in the third match on center court.
Czech Republic’s Tomas Berdych, seeded 20th, beat American Robby Ginepri 6-4, 6-4, 6-3. Veteran Dominik Hrbaty, who guided Slovakia to a surprise title at the Hopman Cup international mixed team event in Perth earlier this month, beat John Isner in four sets.
Two other Americans went out in the first round.
Robert Kendrick lost to No. 16 Robin Soderling of Sweden in four sets and Bobby Reynolds went down in straight sets to No. 21 Tommy Robredo of Spain.
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