Tomas Berdych was forced to battle early before breezing past Yuki Bhambri at the Australian Open.
The Czech coughed up a break in the first set at Melbourne Park, but was untroubled after that on his way to a 7-5, 6-1, 6-2 win on Margaret Court Arena.
Berdych, the sixth seed at the year's first grand slam, had eased to a 3-0 lead before being pegged back by his Indian opponent - a former junior champion at the event. But Bhambri faltered in the 12th game as Berdych took the first set, setting up his first-round win.
Berdych had no problems from then on as he capitalised on Bhambri's errors to advance. The powerful Berdych has an impressive record at the Australian Open, having reached at least the quarter-finals in his past five appearances.
"It wasn't an easy one. I had my chance with an early break but then I lost my serve and it was a bit of a battle at the end of the first set," said Berdych after the match.
"It was a very good test for the first day, first match with the usual (hot) weather here, so it's good to get this match in these conditions and be prepared."
It was only the 95th-ranked Bhambri's second Grand Slam appearance and first direct entry into the main draw. Berdych, who is in the same quarter of the draw as Roger Federer, hammered 35 winners, including 13 aces, and will next face Bosnia's Mirza Basic.
STATISTICAL BREAKDOWN
Berdych [6] bt Bhambri 7-5, 6-1, 6-2
ACES
Berdych - 13
Bhambri - 2
WINNERS/UNFORCED ERRORS
Berdych - 35/18
Bhambri - 16/30
BREAK POINTS WON
Berdych - 6/8
Bhambri - 1/3
FIRST SERVE PERCENTAGE
Berdych - 51
Bhambri - 56
PERCENTAGE OF POINTS WON ON FIRST/SECOND SERVE
Berdych - 90/55
Bhambri - 57/47
TOTAL POINTS
Berdych - 93
Bhambri - 62
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