Local hopeful Jordan Thompson has crashed out of the Sydney International after losing 7-6 (7-5) 6-4 to Italian veteran Paulo Lorenzi in his opening match.
Thompson, Australia's third-highest ranked male at world No. 94, fought valiantly in stifling temperatures in Homebush but eventually succumbed to the world No.43 in straight sets.
The 22-year-old looked to force a deciding set on Sunday when he broke Lorenzi late in the second, however was immediately broken back in the following game.
Lorenzi now progresses to the second round, where he will meet Spanish first seed and world No.23 Albert Ramos-Vinolas.
While Thompson exited on day one, youngsters Aleksandar Vukic and Alexei Popyrin claimed their spot in the main draw with qualifying wins in Homebush.
The 18-year-old Popyrin came back from one set down to beat veteran Nicolas Mahut 4-6 7-6 (7-4) 6-4, while Vukic defeated Ricardas Berankis 7-5 6-2.
Both players will now make their senior ATP debuts against fellow Australians, with Popyrin meeting John Millman, and Vukic facing off against Alex Bolt.
The quartet join exciting talent Alex de Minaur, who opens his tournament against world No.35 Fernando Verdasco, in the 32-man field.
Defending men's champion and world No.25 Gilles Muller enjoys a first-round bye before a second-round encounter against Millman or Popyrin.
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