Wawrinka scrapes by Klizan in 5

If Stan Wawrinka is going to win his second Australian Open, he'll have to do better than that.

The defending U.S. Open champion narrowly booked a spot in the second round in Melbourne after topping 35th-ranked Slovakian Martin Klizan in five sets, 4-6, 6-4, 7-5, 4-6, 6-4.

Squared at two sets apiece, in the ninth game of the final set, the fourth-seeded Swiss smashed a half volley from Klizan directly into the Slovakian, prompting an immediate response from Wawrinka.

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The three-time slam winner leaped over the net to ensure that his opponent was OK, but the match resumed moments after.

Wawrinka then held serve in that game for a 5-4 advantage before breaking Klizan in the following game to cement the result in three hours, 24 minutes.

Of the 32 break-point opportunities, it was the sixth time Wawrinka broke Klizan to his opponent's five, as the 31-year-old Lausanne-born offensive baseliner appeared short of his best.

Wawrinka will now face Steve Johnson in the second round, after the American sent Argentine Federico Delbonis packing in straight sets, 6-3, 6-4, 6-4.