A rejuvenated Jordan Thompson has won just his fourth match at a major in 18 attempts on a memorable day for locals at the Australian Open.
The 24-year-old Sydneysider thumped veteran Spaniard Feliciano Lopez 6-1 7-6 (9-7) 6-3 on Monday, setting up a second-round clash with Italian Andreas Seppi.
Thompson, world No.72, reached the quarter-finals of the lead-up tournament Sydney International last week and relished the quick turnaround in searing conditions.
"It's a great start. It's never easy in your home slam," he said.
"I hadn't been here too many days coming from Sydney and hadn't had too many hits on the court. But I played solid."
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Thompson battled a crisis of confidence in the latter part of 2018 and returned to find his groove at the second-tier Challenger level, where he finished the year with titles in Traralgon and Canberra and a 10-match winning streak.
"It gave me plenty of match fitness. To win matches back-to-back ... it restored confidence," he said.
"It's getting better every match I think. Whether I win or lose, I feel more comfortable on the court."
Thompson has had no shortage of matches heading into the first major of the season after making the semis of doubles in both Sydney and Brisbane.
Thompson, who can reach the third round at Melbourne Park for the first time, said he was buoyed by an opening day of local success that included Alex de Minaur and Ash Barty, Australia's top-ranked male and female players.
"I want to be a part of the group and build a good culture. When everybody's winning, I think we push each other," Thompson said.
