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The FedExpress rolls back into action Thursday with the Swiss world number two headlining the Australian Open and fellow big guns Novak Djokovic and Maria Sharapova also on court.
Roger Federer has an evening match on Rod Laver Arena against Jan-Lennard Struff, and the signs are ominous for the German.
The Swiss star has made at least the third round each year since his debut at Melbourne Park in 2000. In contrast, Struff has failed to get further than the second round ever, at any Grand Slam.
The defending champion, chasing a 20th Grand Slam title, thrilled the crowd with a virtuoso performance in his first-round match, with more of the same expected against Struff.
Twelve-time Grand Slam champion Djokovic was also in fine fettle in his opening match as he returns from an elbow problem that kept him out of action for six months.
Seeded 14, his next test is far tougher against experienced Frenchman Gael Monfils.
Djokovic will need to have his wits about him, but feels his game is getting back to where he wants it.
"Very, very solid performance," he said after his straight-sets opening round win on his Grand Slam comeback.
"I mean, there were not too many things I didn't feel so good about, to be honest. After six months, there's not much (negative) to say."
Fellow former world number one Sharapova opens the action on Rod Laver Arena against 14th seed Anastasija Sevastova of Latvia.
The Russian 2008 Melbourne champion is also working her way back, but from a drug ban.
She is unseeded but quietly confident she ha what it takes to again make the world sit up and take notice.
"I have expectations because of my previous results in my career, and I know at what level I can play and what tennis I can produce," she said.
"But I'm also realistic, and the process of coming back takes time. I keep building and learning."
World number one Simona Halep, who was unconvincing in her first round encounter, takes on Canadian Eugenie Bouchard, while impressive 2016 champion Angelique Kerber faces Donna Vekic.
Third seed Garbine Muguruza, who is still struggling with a right thigh problem, will test the injury against Taiwan's Hsieh Su-wei.
In other matches, fourth seed Alexander Zverev plays fellow German Peter Gojowczyk and British hope Johanna Konta is up against Bernarda Pera, one of the few Americans still standing after a slew were knocked out early.
(AFP)
