Australian Open 2012 live stream

It would be an understatement to say that Frenchman Jo-Wilfried Tsonga enjoys coming to Melbourne.

Today was no exception with the imposing sixth seed scoring a straightforward 6-2 6-2 6-2 win over Portugal’s Frederico Gil in the first match of the day at Hisense Arena.

“Today I played well and didn't spend a lot of time on court, and it's good for the rest of the tournament … I'm confident,” said Tsonga.

With the exception of his first visit here in 2007 and an upset third-round loss last year, Tsonga has made the Australian Open quarterfinals or better each year.

And of all the majors, his best record is, you guessed it, right here in Melbourne (20-5 win-loss) where he made his first, and only, Grand Slam final in 2008.

“The condition are good for me.  It's pretty warm.  The surface also, you know, it's not really quick, not really fast.  So maybe it's good for my game,” said Tsonga earlier in the week.

Of course he’d love to experience the same success at his home major – Roland Garros – in front of his legion of fans and, he says, he can’t see any reason why he can’t turn his meagre French Open record, which currently stands at 8-4, around.

“I think it's not about pressure.  I didn't have a lot of – I was a bit unlucky in Roland Garros.  I had injury two years ago.  Last year I played well.  I played really well, but my opponent played an incredible match.

“But, no, I think maybe in the future I will play well in Roland Garros.  There is no reason I cannot play well there.”

Right now, though, he is playing very well here. Moving freely around the court, the world No.6 broke his opponent in the opening game of the match.

The Frenchman’s attack on the ball, his bludgeoning ground strokes and point construction were all a joy to behold. As were his frequent trips to the net – 39 in all – which Gil struggled to repel.

Still without a coach, Tsonga said that he is happy with his current situation and has no plans to hire one any time soon. As an adidas sponsored athlete, he has access to its support team, including Andre Agassi.

“He give me some advice.  We talk together,” said Tsonga. But for now, Tsonga is happy listening to himself.

“I'm here maybe because I had coach, but now I feel like I have to follow my opinion maybe a bit more.

“If I still improve my game, you know, why I have to change?”

Supporting him today in the stands was showman Mansour Bahrami, who Tsonga said was just there to watch, not in any real coaching capacity.

“Yeah, he support me,” smiled Tsonga. “I think it's enough. But anyway, he learn me some tricks, but not to win.”

And after watching Tsonga dismantle world No.107 Gil in front of a chanting and singing Hisense Arena crowd, the Frenchman looks like he’s doing just fine on his own.