Four-time Australian Open champion Roger Federer has made it through to the third round of the Grand Slam following a straight-sets win over American Noah Rubin.

It ended up being a hard-fought win for Federer, who spent a large chunk of last season struggling with injuries, as he tired in the third set.

Nevertheless, the former world number one battled through to claim a 7-5 6-3 6-7(3) triumph and book himself a spot in the next round against Tomas Berdych.

Just five break points were created in the first set, and they were all from Federer, but only one was converted by the 17-time Grand Slam champion.

After taking the first set, Federer broke serve again in the second, but he had trouble trying to hold as Rubin pushed him to deuce four times.

The 35-year-old managed to keep his American opponent at bay to double his lead on the court, but he encountered trouble early in the third when he lost his opening service game.

Federer eventually broke back to force a tie-break, which he clinched 7-3.