Novak Djokovic was severely tested before securing a 6-3, 4-6, 6-4 win over Philipp Kohlschreiber.
Novak Djokovic was playing his first tournament since lifting a record seventh title in Melbourne, taking his tally of Grand Slam victories to 15.
Rafael Nadal, a 14-time Grand Slam champion, is now just one win away from matching Argentine legend Guillermo Vilas's record of 49 clay-court titles.
Philipp Kohlschreiber stunned second seed Marin Cilic 3-6, 6-3, 6-4 on Friday to move into the semi-finals of the Rotterdam World Tennis
Seventh seed Kei Nishikori of Japan brushed aside Philipp Kohlschreiber in straight sets to make a winning start in the 2016 Australian Open.
Six-time champion Roger Federer overcame Philipp Kohlschreiber 6-4, 4-6, 6-4 and will face Belgium's David Goffin in quarters.
Roger Federer defeated Germany's Philipp Kohlschreiber for the 10th time in 10 meetings.
Novak Djokovic cruised to a straight sets win against Germany's Philipp Kohlschreiber to advance in Paris Masters.
Eighth-seeded David Goffin of Belgium next plays Germany's Jan-Lennard Struff for the first time. Struff advanced after third-seeded Philipp Kohlschreiber retired when trailing 5-0 after just 20 minutes.
Thirteenth-seeded American John Isner was beaten 7-6 (4), 4-6, 7-6 (2), 7-6 (4) by Germany's Philipp Kohlschreiber.