Australian Open 2012 live stream

It cannot be easy being Roger Federer. For a start, there is the time-consuming business of being a living legend to cope with and then, as a living legend, there is the constant problem of everyone wanting to have a pop at you.

Taking a set from the mighty Roger Federer may not win a chap a Grand Slam trophy but it would make a cracking tale to tell the grandkids.

“Hey, you know that Swiss bloke who won everything in sight at the start of the century? I had him pinned to the backstop, I did. Well, for quite a few games, I did ...” And so it is that people who have never so much as poked their nose into the limelight before suddenly have a rush of blood to the head and play out of their skins when they find themselves facing Federer. It tends not last too long, mind you, as Alexander Kudryavtsev found on Monday night.

For the best part of a set, the Russian qualifier was having the time of his life and then, in the twinkling of an eye, Federer put his foot down and accelerated into the second round, 7-5 6-2 6-2. For Federer, it was the perfect start to what he hopes could be a good two weeks; for Kudryavtsev, it was his first taste of life in the fast lane.

Kudryavtsev has been trying to get a gig at a major championship for the past four years. He has tried – and failed – to qualify 11 times before and then when he finally earns his place, he draws the Fed in the first round. Luck like that you cannot buy.

Still, the legendary one was not having things all his own way. Although he looked to be in great nick at the very start of the year, he hurt his back at the Qatar Open and it was only a few days ago that he was able to start practising properly again. Against Kudryavtsev, he decided to give all the sore bits a full work-out to see just how much progress the injury had made. And, apparently, it is doing just fine.

“I really tried to put in an effort to every point play as hard as I could first to see how the back felt to try to get into it, hopefully win, and then see how I feel tomorrow,” Federer said. “I'll get a lot more information tomorrow, but I'm sure I'll be fine.”

This all-or-nothing approach did not make for the easiest of first sets – and neither did Kudryavtsev’s walloping groundstrokes. In fact, the Russian bombardment came as something of a surprise to our living legend.

“It was just tough against a guy who hits big and flat from both sides and takes a lot of chances,” Federer said thoughtfully.

So new is the Russian to playing at this level that no one seems to know anything about him. Even those helpful souls who provide the media with background information on all the players at Melbourne Park were stumped when it came to Alexander. One of their bullet points revealed that our Mr Kudryavtsev “is not related to Alla Kudryavtseva”. That is a factoid right up there with “Does not own a poodle” and “has never knowingly watched Wolverhampton Wanderers”. Not that it helped much – after just one hour and 38 minutes, it was all over and Kudryavtsev’s family connections, or lack of them, no longer mattered.

After that, it was back to the business of legendary status for Federer. At this time of year, the players have their annual meeting when problems and issues are debated and those on the Player Council take heed and, in theory, take action. This year, Federer and Rafael Nadal have had a difference of opinion, one that has livened up a quiet week in the lead-up to the Australian Open. On Sunday, Nadal said his piece to the Spanish press and on Monday, Federer tried to calm the brewing storm.

“We can't always agree on everything,” Federer said diplomatically. “So far it's always been no problem really. Back in the day he used to say, ‘whatever Roger decides, I'm fine with’. Today he's much more grown up.  He has a strong opinion himself, which I think is great.  It's what we need, especially on the council.  It's been nice working with him.

“That he has a strong opinion also creates sometimes good arguments about where you want to move the sport forward to.

“He's mentioned many times how he gets a bit tired and frustrated through the whole process, and I shared that with him. It's normal. But for me, obviously nothing changes in terms of our relationship. I'm completely cool and relaxed about it. He seemed the same way – or at least I hope so.”

And with that, Federer’s work was done. He had won a tennis match, passed a self-imposed fitness test and stopped a potentially explosive argument getting out of hand. Yes, it was just another ordinary day in the life of a living legend.