British quantity two Dan Evans impressed on his return from harm by beating Australian Rinky Hijikata in straight units on the Adelaide Worldwide.
Competing for the primary time since tearing his calf on the Vienna Open in October, he received 6-3 6-4 to arrange a last-16 match in opposition to Alexander Bublik.
On the Australian Open, Britons Billy Harris and Ryan Peniston progressed to the second qualifying spherical.
However Lily Miyazaki was overwhelmed on the primary day of motion in Melbourne.
Evans, 33, made a quick begin below the Centre Courtroom lights in Adelaide, forcing three break factors in Hijikata’s opening service recreation earlier than breaking to fifteen for a 3-1 lead.
The fleet-footed world quantity 40 produced a number of moments of brilliance and, though unable to take advantage of 5 extra break factors two video games later, he was untroubled in serving out a dominant first set.
Hijikata offered sterner resistance within the second however Evans took full benefit when the 22-year-old wildcard’s degree dropped within the ninth recreation – permitting him to serve out a satisfying victory.
“I used to be just a little drained – it is my first match of the yr – and it was vital to maintain targeted,” mentioned Evans, who reached a career-high rank of 21 after profitable the largest title of his profession on the Citi Open in Washington final August.
“It was an excellent match to be a part of and the group have been very reasonable as properly.”
On his restoration from harm, he added: “It was difficult to get injured on the finish of final yr. It took some time to heal and I am nonetheless taking care of it. I am nonetheless just a little nervous however it feels all proper.”
