Simon, 32, did the job 6-1 6-3 6-3 against his teenage opponent in just under two hours, with scorching temperatures reaching 37 degrees in Melbourne.

The former world No.6 said he hated the hot weather, but felt it played to his advantage against the Saudi Arabian-American.

In an exclusive post-match interview with Inside Sport, he said his physical condition had improved over the past years.

“My body is good, better than a few years ago, yeah,” Simon told InsideSport after the Mmoh win.

“I learned during I was working my body, my weaknesses and strengths and overall it’s easier to work now, for me to do work outs. Which part I’m strong and where I’m not as strong and should pay attention. I feel much better now than a few years ago.

“I don’t feel like I’m getting older…. I am of course as everyone, but I just don’t feel it now. I don’t feel like I’m slower than before or less resistant so I just don’t think about it.

“It’s not very often it happens – the three sets like this, less than two hours especially on a very hot day. If you have a tough and long fight it can keep you for a few more days so it’s a perfect start for me.”

Simon felt his “game was in place” as he reflected on his good memories in Melbourne.

The furthest the Frenchmen has progressed in the Australian Open was the quarter-finals in 2009 where he was knocked out by eventual winner Rafael Nadal.

Simon was extremely content after defeating Mmoh and tried to do his homework on the 19-year-old.

“I watched as many matches as I could (of Mmoh)… so two,” Simon joked.

“I asked a few players that knew him more than me how he was playing and had a good idea on how I wanted to play. It’s always different once you have your opponent in front of you and I had a good preparation.

“I tried to put some simple plans in place in the game. One more time, the condition cannot play extravagant tennis but overall it was really good. It was an interesting match, I was able to stay focused from the beginning until the end and knowing the sensation wasn’t perfect due to the conditions are not easy to play.

“It was really warm so it’s really demanding to move and play some great shots, but overall it was a decent performance.”