NEW YORK - FOUR-TIMES champion Roger Federer launched his US Open title defence with a comfortable 6-3 6-0 6-3 win over little-known Argentine Maximo Gonzalez in the first round on Tuesday.

The Swiss master, deposed as world number one last week by Spaniard Rafael Nadal, shrugged off an untidy start with a polished performance on the Arthur Ashe Stadium court in an evening match.

Federer broke Gonzalez in the eighth game before taking the opening set in 25 minutes. He then swept through the second with three further service breaks.

The 118th-ranked Argentine, playing his first hardcourt match on the ATP Tour, raised his game in the third to break Federer and lead 3-2 before his opponent regained control to wrap up victory in 82 minutes.

'I am very happy to be back healthy, playing well and winning the first round is always great fun,' Federer said in a courtside television interview. 'I am looking forward to more like that.'

The 27-year-old was weakened from mononucleosis early in the season but said his health issues were now behind him.

'The tests are showing a complete recovery,' Federer added.

'But it's been a hard year, especially the beginning, and it was difficult trying to get back into rhythm.

'I played really well on clay and grass but not so good early on in the hardcourt sesason. I think the Olympics doubles gold gave me a great lift and I am really inspired to do well here.'

Federer, who won his first Olympic medal with compatriot Stanislas Wawrinka in the doubles at the Beijing Games this month, will next play a Brazilian qualifier Thiago Alves. -- REUTERS