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'Played him once, beat him once': Kyrgios returns serve to Federer

Fiery Aussie tennis star Nick Kyrgios has hit back at Roger Federer's comments that he can't win this year's Australian Open.

The 17-time major champion questioned Kyrgios's ability to beat "four, five amazing players" in consecutive best-of-five-set encounters.

But Kyrgios had a blunt response for reporters when quizzed on the subject following his impressive first round win at Melbourne Park.

"Yeah I played him (Federer) once and beat him once so I really don't get bothered by it," Kyrgios said in his press conference.

"Doesn't bother me at all. I know he's the greatest of all time."

The Aussie young gun dispatched Gastao Elias 6-1, 6-2, 6-2 in just 85 minutes to move into the second round.

Kyrgios will be hoping to silence his doubters at the Open. Pic: Getty

But he refused to get engaged in a war of words with Federer, who has previously tipped the 21-year-old for big things in the future.

Roger Federer says Nick Kyrgios could be a future Hall of Famer. Pic: Getty

"I'm not going to say anything back to him about it, obviously it's his opinion."

"If I didn't think I'd win it, why would I play? I think I can win it. I've beaten pretty much everyone in the draw before. So I think so."

Kyrgios continues his campaign on Wednesday against Andreas Seppi, the Italian he beat two years ago in Melbourne en route to the last 16.

Watch the Australian Open LIVE on the screens of Seven including the 7Tennis App and PLUS7.