Marcos Baghdatis started his 2010 Australian Open campaign with an emphatic 6-2 6-4 6-4 round one win over Italian Paolo Lorenzi.

The 24-year-old Baghdatis dominated the world No. 84 Lorenzi in the first set, sprinting to a 5-0 lead en route to taking it in an impressive 28 minutes.

The 28-year-old Italian appeared nervous with 17 unforced error  in the first set alone.

Baghdatis grabbed the advantage in the second set, breaking Lorenzi in his second service game.

He had a chance to move further ahead but was wasteful with his break point opportunities, converting only one of four chances, but he still managed to serve out the set 6-4.

Baghdatis didn’t release the pressure on Lorenzi in the third, sending down some big serves and winning 85 per cent of points on his first serve for the set.

The Italian had two break points at 4-5, but Baghdatis blasted down an ace and a forehand winner to level. He soon served out the set to take the match, kissing the court and giving a thumbs-up to his supporters.

Speaking after the win, Baghdatis said the injuries that hindered him in 2008, and saw the former world number eight’s ranking plummet to 100, were now behind him.

The 24-year-old, now ranked 31st, said he was in better shape than when he reached fourth round of the Australian Open last year.

“I can say much, much better,” he said.

“Last six months I didn’t have any injuries so I could work in the right way.

“I could build up my body, and I feel much fitter than last year.”

Baghdatis also welcomed the vocal support he received from sections of the crowd.

“It feels like you’re playing at home,” he said.

“When the support is there it feels good, it does make a difference.”

Baghdatis faces a testing second round match against 17th-seeded Spaniard David Ferrer.

Ferrer and Baghdatis have met each other twice on the tour so far, with the Spaniard coming out on top on both occasions.