Somdev Devvarman, who is demanding better playing conditions in Davis Cup from AITA, started his Australian Open campaign in style as he cruised past Germany's Bjorn Phau in the opening round of the men's singles event, here.

Somdev, whose ranking has plummeted to 551, defeated Phau, who is ranked 78, 6-3 6-2 6-3 in close to a two-hour match here.