James Blake bounced back to form with an impressive win in the opening round of the Australian Open on Tuesday.

The American hardcourt expert was beaten in the first round of the warm-up event in Sydney and afterwards criticised the slowness of the new Plexicushion surface being used in Australia.

However, the 12th seed looked in good nick as he dispatched Olympic champion Nicolas Massu, a player many felt could have troubled Blake.

Blake swept to a 6-3 6-2 6-2 victory on the Vodafone Arena.

Massu recovered an early break in the first set, but after that was pummelled by Blake's famed forehand.

The Chilean appeared troubled by a hip problem in the latter stages but by then the damage had been done.

"I kept playing well," said Blake. "I don't know if maybe he got down on himself a little. I don't think that was exactly his best tennis ever, but the way I was playing I hope that had a big effect on it.

"In the first Grand Slam of the year without a lot of matches, it's a good feeling to know that I still have that mental ability with me."

Tomas Berdych, the 13th seed, is also through to the second round after a 6-4 6-4 6-4 triumph over Austria's Werner Eschauer.