Brit Jack Draper began on familiar ground as the youngster reached the second round of the Adelaide International on Monday.
The No. 62 powered down for a quick victory as he dismissed fifth seed Sebastian Baez 6-1, 6-3.
It was the second straight year that Draper has begun his season in the South Australia capital after reaching the second round here in 2023 and losing to Karen Khachanov.
The lefthander got past Baez in 78 minutes 17 winners.
The starting success puts Draper into a match against Miomir Kecmanovic.
“I was very happy with my performance today,” Draper said. “It is not easy coming out in the first match of the year.
“I played here last year and am looking forward to going as far as I can this week.”
He added: “I feel really strong at the moment and really happy with my body and my game. Hopefully I can continue to play injury free.”
The women’s side of the draw was riddled with upsets of seeds on opening day at Memorial Drive.
Disaster struck for No. 4 and 2021 Roland Garros winner Barbora Krejcikova, with the Czech falling 7-5, 3-6, 7-5 to Anna Kalinskaya.
Fifth seed Beatriz Haddad Mair of Brazil met a similar fate at the hands of Anastasia Pavlyuchenkova, 6-3, 6-4 in 97 minutes.
Krejcikova was caught out by Kalinskaya, who reached the second round in Brisbane last week, losing to two-time Australian Open champion Victoria Azarenka.
The qualifier was playing her fifth match of the season while Krejcikova came in cold.
“It was a great match, she’s a very good fighter,” the winner said. “She plays incredible tennis and knows how to hit every shot.
“She made the match very complicated. I’m happy I won, I’m playing better tennis every day.
“It feels good to play as many matches as I can.”
Main photo:- Jack Draper – by Roger Parker International Sports Fotos Ltd
