Melbourne VIC, Australia, 16 January 2017 | Alex Sharp

Bernard Tomic ignited his Australian Open campaign with an efficient and clinical 6-2 6-1 6-4 victory over Thomaz Bellucci.

“I was happy with the whole match the whole day. It was hot, but I was trying to focus on what I needed to do,” said the Aussie No.2

“It was a very, very quality match from a tough opponent in the first round.”

The 27th seed was keeping the points short and storing up his energy in the scorching heat.

He won 89 per cent of points on first serve and struck 38 winners to ease into the second round.

Despite his comprehensive showing, Tomic feels he can still go up another gear at Melbourne Park.

“I played probably 60, 70 per cent. But just shows you how capable I am of playing well,” explained Tomic. “I feel like I was playing pretty solid. Not my best tennis, but I did the right work to play this tennis.”

Having jumped the first hurdle with ease, Tomic next faces Victor Estrella Burgos, who navigated past Aljaz Bedene in four sets.

“I beat him in the semi of my second title of my career when I won Bogota, Colombia. I think I beat him 7-6 in the third,” said Tomic.

“He’s a good friend of mine, and he won today in four sets.

“He’s a competitor and a fighter. He’s in the top 170 of the world purely off hard work and discipline. This match is going to be tough.”