Roger Federer and Amelie Mauresmo begin the defence of their Australian Open singles crowns on the opening day of the first grand slam tournament of the year today.

Federer takes on German journeyman Bjorn Phau, whose claim to fame is that he is one of the few players in world tennis to boast a winning record over the Swiss superstar.

However that one victory came back in 1999 when Federer was a shadow of the player he is today.

"It's going to be interesting," said Federer.

"He's beaten Agassi in Dubai, I think, last year.

"He's probably had a few good wins so I have to be careful."

Returning to the scene of her maiden grand slam triumph, Mauresmo starts her 2007 campaign against American Shenay Perry in the opening match on Rod Laver Arena.

"It feels the same, except that I'm really enjoying coming back here even more and having those great memories from last year," said Mauresmo.

"For the moment, I'm going through this in a very relaxed way."

Other leading players in action today include last year's men's runner-up Marcos Baghdatis, 2005 champion Marat Safin, Andy Roddick, Serena Williams and Svetlana Kuznetsova.

The five local players chasing berths in the second round are veteran Wayne Arthurs, Alun Jones, Monique Adamczak, Casey Dellacqua and teenager Jessica Moore.

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