John Millman has picked up his grand slam form where he left it, defeating world No.80 Federico Delbonis in the first round of the Australian Open.
Having toiled through the first three sets, the 29-year-old then made short work of the Argentinean, winning the first five games in the fourth set before settling with a 6-3 3-6 7-6 (7-3) 6-2 triumph.
The popular Queenslander, who shocked the tennis world by beating Roger Federer at the US Open last year, joined a fleet of Australian winners on day one at Melbourne Park.
He was the seventh home player to reach the second round, following top hopes Ashleigh Barty and Alex de Minaur, as well as relative unknowns Astra Sharma and Zoe Hives.
And he did it in trademark style; on the Melbourne Park backcourts.
The snug surrounds of court seven hosted Millman's clash with the clay-courter despite his rise to the brink of a seeding as the world No.37.
Millman struck 11 aces - including three in the crunch tiebreak - and returned especially well against the 28-year-old.
But he was disappointed to drop the second set and make heavy weather of his return to Melbourne Park.
"He's a tricky customer. Lefty. Big swinging serve. So it was always going to be tricky but I made a bit harder job of it than I probably should have," he said.
"I got through and I'm happy."
Milliman will face either 22nd seed Roberto Bautista Agut or retiring great Andy Murray in the second round as he looks to replicate his best result at his home slam, a third round appearance.
"I feel like I have been playing good tennis," he said.
"Especially last year and even this year in Brisbane and Sydney I thought I was striking the ball pretty well.
"I have come into the Open confident. The next match, whoever I play will be really tough. So I'm looking forward to it."
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