Dan Evans has recorded a straight-sets victory over top seed Luca Vanni in the first qualifying round of the Australian Open.

The Birmingham-based hitter had been handed one of the toughest draws, but he recovered from 5-3 down in the opening set before edging ahead on a tie-break.

Evans continued to match the Italian in the second and after breaking in the ninth game, he served out to 15 to secure a 7-6 6-4 triumph.

British compatriot James Ward has also progressed into the second round after overcoming Peter Polansky in straight sets.

The Londoner saved two set points in a first-set tie-break but the second was slightly more straightforward as he completed victory by a 7-6 6-4 scoreline.

However, there was disappointment for Brydan Klein, who suffered a 7-5 6-2 defeat at the hands of Peter Gojowczyk.