"I enjoy matches like this," said Federer after his win over Frenchman Mahut.

"Having the sensation like I had towards the end of the second set when you feel everything's going your way, you've got his game perfectly figured out and everything you're trying to do sort of works as well, it's just a good feeling.

"I am overall excited being back, happy to be playing well. I feel like I did at the Australian Open after one of my first couple of matches but this time I'm more sure I'm over the sickness.

"I couldn't really practise the way I wanted to before the Australian Open. This time it's very different and I'm really looking forward to the rest of the week."

Earlier Argentina's David Nalbandian came from two points from defeat to overcome Radek Stepanek.

Seventh seed Nalbandian recovered from winning only 10 points in the second set to come through 7-6 0-6 7-6.