Jack Draper got his 2024 season off to a strong start by knocking out No5 seed Sebastian Baez at the Adelaide International on Monday.
Playing his only warm-up event before the Australian Open, the big-serving left-armer made light work of the world No26 in a 6-1, 6-3 victory.
Following the win, Draper said: “I’m very happy with my performance today. It’s not easy coming out for the first match of the year.
"I feel really confident, really happy with my body and my game. I just want to carry on playing injury free.”
Draper struggled with injury after a bright start to 2023 but returned to play a role for Britain in their Davis Cup tie against Serbia towards the end of last season. He then went on to win the Ultimate Tennis Showdown event in London last month.
Hopes of a double British win in Adelaide on Monday were denied when British women's No1 Katie Boulter lost out 6-3, 6-4 to Anna Bodgan.
Qualifying had been due to begin for the Australian Open on Monday, but rain prevented any matches from being played.
British trio Heather Watson, Harriet Dart and Fran Jones are all scheduled to be in qualifying action in Melbourne on Tuesday.
