World number one Roger Federer eased into the second round of the Rome Masters on Tuesday, beating Sweden's Jonas Bjorkman 7-6 (7-4), 6-3.

The Swiss, who finished runner-up on the clay courts of the Italian capital last year, created four break points in a tight first set. However, he could not convert any of them and had to rely on unforced errors to snatch the tie-break.

He was less wasteful in the second set. A whipped crosscourt backhand pass in the sixth game gave Federer two break points and he converted the first when Bjorkman pushed a forehand into the tramlines.

Federer held his own serve comfortably to preserve his perfect record against the Swede.

"I'm very happy to win in the first round even though it wasn't a great match. The was a lot of wind out there today and the court was a little slippery," Federer said.

"I think I've got to improve a lot of things because in the next round I'm playing (2002 French Open champion Albert) Costa, who is very good on clay.

"I'm playing in a doubles match this afternoon so maybe that will be a good chance to improve some things."