Swiss star Stan Wawrinka is pleased with where his game is at heading into the Australian Open.

The three-time grand slam champion begins the year's first major with a clash against Slovak Martin Klizan.

Wawrinka started his season at the Brisbane International, reaching the semi-finals before a loss to Kei Nishikori.

With two wins under his belt, the US Open champion said he was satisfied with his form.

"I'm happy to be back, like every player probably. I think I worked well in the off-season and started well in Brisbane," Wawrinka said.

"I think my level is there. I'm ready to start the tournament. I'm excited to start the first grand slam of the year.

"First one is against Klizan, a tough player that I played only a few years ago, but he is a really dangerous player. It's going to be interesting to see the first match."

The only previous meeting between the pair saw Wawrinka claim a three-set win over Klizan on the clay in Casablanca in 2010.

Wawrinka said he was unfazed by meeting a left-hander in the opening round.

"I don't really have a problem because he is a lefty player," he said.

"I'm quite confident with my backhand, so it depends all about me, the way I'm going to start, the way I'm going to play."