Top seed Daniil Medvedev made a statement in the Brisbane International, advancing comfortably to the second round, while defending champion Jiri Lehecka battled past fellow Czech Tomas Machac in a tense three-set clash.

World number 13 Medvedev looked in ominous form, dispatching Hungary’s Marton Fucsovics 6-2, 6-3 in just 69 minutes in the Australian Open warm-up tournament, which begins on January 18.

“Sometimes you can play well and lose, but when I play well, I win a lot of matches,” said the Russian. “I’m happy to play well today and get the win.” Medvedev will next face American Frances Tiafoe.

Lehecka, the third seed, endured a stern test from Machac, ultimately prevailing 6-4, 6-7(5), 6-2 after nearly two-and-a-half hours on court. The 24-year-old has already claimed two career titles in Australia.

“The weather and court conditions here are perfect,” Lehecka said. “There’s no better place to start the season. It was a great match, and I’m super happy with the win.”

Lehecka now meets American Sebastian Korda, who overcame Monaco’s Valentin Vacherot 7-6(1), 6-3.

In other men’s action, Alex Michelsen edged past Australian qualifier James Duckworth 6-7(4), 7-6(2), 6-3 and will face fellow American Learner Tien in the second round.

In the women’s draw, Kazakhstan’s Yulia Putintseva, a lucky loser, defeated American Hailey Baptiste 6-2, 6-4, setting up a second-round clash with Ukraine’s Marta Kostyuk.

Chinese qualifier Zhang Shuai, 36, also impressed, defeating Ashlyn Krueger 6-4, 5-7, 6-4, and will face former champion and world number five Elena Rybakina next.