Roger Federer took the first step toward his record-tying 14th Grand Slam title with a 6-1, 7-6 (4), 7-5 victory Monday over Andreas Seppi at the Australian Open in Melbourne.

Second-ranked, 27 year old, Roger Federer, Aim to take the first step toward tying Pete Sampras' record of 14 Grand Slam titles in a late match against Andreas Seppi of Italy.

Defending men's champion Novak Djokovic, started strong then had to rally from service breaks in the last two sets. He was down 4-0 in the third to oust Andrea Stoppini 6-2, 6-3.

Andy Roddick, Seventh-seeded opened with a straight sets win over, 31 year old, Bjorn Rehnquist 10 unforced errors in a 6-0, 6-2, 6-2 with fellow American Mary Fish also had a 6-7 (3), 6-4, 7-5, 6-0 winning against Samuel Gorth.

Six other Americans made first-round exits: Robby Ginepri, John Isner, Robert Kendrick, Bobby Reynolds, Taylor Dent and Sam Querry.