Fonseca also signed up for the Adelaide International, which leads into the Australian Open. In Melbourne last year, on the back of winning the Canberra Challenger, the Brazilian memorably won his inaugural major main-draw match by ousting ninth-ranked Andrey Rublev in straight sets.
Eighth seed Learner Tien and compatriot Frances Tiafoe both made winning starts to the new year in Brisbane. Tien—competing at this event for the first time—eased past Camilo Ugo Carabelli, while Tiafoe notched a 6-2, 6-2 win over wild card Aleksandar Vukic.
Top seed Daniil Medvedev, former champions Grigor Dimitrov and Jiri Lehecka, and Australian Nick Kyrgios are among the competitors in this year’s field. Tommy Paul is the highest-ranked American among eight vying to start their seasons off with a title in the Queensland capital.
