Roger Federer has advanced to the Australian Open third round by securing his 89th career victory at Melbourne Park.The reigning champion continued his confident start to the tournament by breezing past Jan-Lennard Struff of Germany, 6-4, 6-4, 7-6 (4).The straight sets win tees up an intriguing meeting with fellow one-handed backhander Richard Gasquet, who booked his place in the last 32 with victory over Italian qualifier Lorenzo Sonego.Federer has made light work of his title defence until now, though the same can’t be said of those most likely to prevent him winning a sixth crown Down Under.Novak Djokovic battled past Gael Monfils as the mercury hovered near 40 degrees earlier today, with his opponent showing signs of heat exhaustion during their four-set encounter.Rafael Nadal, who’s due to play Bosnian Damir Dzumhur in similar heat on Friday, suggested all roofs be closed during such extreme conditions, but his request was swiftly denied by officials seeking to maintain a level playing field throughout the tournament.Federer, on the other hand, has played both his matches during primetime slots on Rod Laver Arena, long after the worst of the heat has faded.So, has gained an advantage over the rest of the field thanks to his star power?Well, the 36-year-old answered that exact question during his on-court interview after beating Struff.“Well, there’s maybe 60 guys asking for stuff – so I’m one of those guys, yes,” he said.Asked if his standing affords him greater influence over tournament organisers than his peers, Federer replied: “Possibly. But it’s not my call; it’s their call.“There’s a guy like Novak, there are other guys they’re going to listen to – the Aussies. Maybe also the TV side, I don’t know what you guys ask for at night.”However, despite widespread calls for players to be better protected from the sweltering conditions, Federer appears to have little sympathy for those grinding through the heat.“I wouldn’t have minded playing during the day.“I hope I under thrive under those conditions, too, because if you want to get to the top, you’ve got to be able to play in all conditions.“But, sure, it’s helpful to play now [at night] rather than during the day.”

It’s rare to hear Federer speak in such clear opposition to the likes of Djokovic and Nadal, but he makes a fair point.

The Swiss has experienced his fair share of heatwaves across 19 tournament appearances in Melbourne – but that’s what it takes to win the same major five times.

The player generally considered the greatest ever might well get some special treatment, but unless Tennis Australia decides to convert every outside court into an air-conditioned arena, someone has to brave the heat.