Defending champion Stanislas Wawrinka has earned a spot in the second round of the Australian Open thanks to a 6-1 6-4 6-2 victory over Marsel Ilhan.

The early signs were positive for Wawrinka, whose ability to dictate the tempo of longer rallies troubled Ilhan, and the Swiss number two raced into a 4-0 lead with two breaks of serve.

In comparison, Ilhan was unable to make the same impact while looking for a breakthrough, and Wawrinka conceded just four points on his way to wrapping up the opener.

The fourth seed was tested just once in the second set, and he overcame the challenge with apparent ease by saving the only break point he offered before cruising into a two-set lead.

Wawrinka made the perfect start to the third set by claiming a break of serve in the opening game.

Ilhan was powerless to stop the 2014 winner's charge as Wawrinka clinched another break to continue his bid for a second Grand Slam title.