The smooth Swiss, unquestioned dominator of last season with 11 titles including three of the four Grand Slams, said he was looking forward to a trophy clash with hot rival Andy Roddick.

With just hours to go before the start of Grand Slam hostilities at Melbourne Park, where the top seed will be defending his crown, Federer pronounced his form close to ideal.

"Everything is pretty good," said a player who has won his last 14 finals dating to 2003. "I'm happy with the match today, it was much better than the first (against Roland Garros winner Gaston Gaudio, where he lost a set). That's a good sign."

Federer dropped serve once in the first set but was never troubled by Henman, ranked seventh and now free from physical complaints after a back problem over the holidays.

The Swiss brooked no opposition in the second set, taking a 5-2 lead and serving out out with an ace a game later.

"Of course, you'd like to win these matches," said Henman, seeded seventh at the Open. "But I'm really happy with the way things have progressed here. I'm a better player I've ever been," said the 30-year-old.

Roddick has been waiting for Federer since Thursday, when he advanced 6-5 as Andre Agassi had to quit with a hip worry which threatens his Open.

One of Roddick's most demoralising defeats in 2004 came in the Wimbledon final against Federer, and the Swiss stands ready to build upon a winning career record against every top ten opponent save Henman.

"It's always nice to play between the number one and number two -- especially two days before a Slam," said the 23-year-old.

"I'm happy with the match today. Kooyong gives you the option to try some things. But you want to play well in the final."

In consolation round matches, last year's winner David Nalbandian won as Olympic champion Nicolas Massu quit as a precaution with foot pain, handing over a 6-4, 2-1 win to his Argentine opponent.

"I had hernia surgery on November 30, and I just started to train two weeks ago." said Massu. "This was one of my first matches in three months and I felt some pain in my foot.

"I had it taped but still had pain. I wanted to be sure to play in the Australian Open, so that's why I retired."

Croatian Ivan Ljubicic dealt Gaudio a third match from three played, losing 6-4, 6-4.