Queenslander John Millman has prevailed after a strong challenge from Spanish veteran Feliciano Lopez.
Millman is through to the second round with the 6-1,6-3,5-6,7-5 triumph.
“I thought maybe I’d blown it a little bit in that fourth set,” Millman told Channel Nine.
“I had a couple of little break points,but he came up with some great serves under pressure. I think the crowd got behind me.”
Millman was rapt to again be playing in front of home crowds.
“First and foremost,the last 18 months for an Australian tennis player,I think,has been extremely challenging,” Millman said.
“I know the people of Melbourne and the people of Australia,have been in and out of lockdown. I was feeling for them and I was probably feeling for myself a little bit.”