Goffin, YouTube star Marie advance in Australian Open qualifying

David Goffin made a strong start in his bid for his 10th main-draw appearance at the Australian Open on Tuesday in Melbourne.

The former World No. 7 downed Stefano Travaglia 6-4, 7-5 on the first day of qualifying at the first Grand Slam of the season. Goffin was clinical with his chances on return inside Kia Arena, where he converted four of five break points he earned en route to a 95-minute win.

Goffin will take on Briton Billy Harris, who defeated Dimitar Kuzmanov 0-6, 6-2, 6-2 on his Melbourne Park debut, in the second round. Goffin, a former World No. 7 and an Australian Open quarter-finalist in 2017, is currently No. 107 in the Pepperstone ATP Rankings as he looks to rediscover his best level.

Another former Top 10 star, Argentine Diego Schwartzman, was unable to join Goffin in the second round. Denis Kudla overcame Schwartzman 7-6(7), 6-4 to advance to face Lukas Klein, who battled past Marco Trungelliti 6-3, 3-6, 6-3.

There was a momentous moment for World No. 224 Jules Marie on Tuesday, when the 32-year-old Frenchman defeated Benoit Paire 7-6(6), 6-4 on his debut at Melbourne Park. Marie, who has more than 100,000 subscribers to his YouTube channel that documents his travels as a professional tennis player, will play Alexander Ritschard next as he bids to reach the main draw at a major for the first time.

The big-serving Canadian Gabriel Diallo set an intriguing clash against former World No. 36 Pierre-Hugues Herbert in Melbourne. The 22-year-old downed Pablo Llamas Ruiz 7-6(3), 6-1, while Herbert edged Roman Andres Burruchaga 7-6(5), 6-7(5), 6-3.

Luca Nardi, Zizou Bergs, Emilio Nava and Ryan Peniston were among the other winners on the first day of qualifying action in Melbourne, where heavy rain prevented any play on Monday. The 2023 Next Gen ATP Finals competitor Nardi beat Francesco Maestrelli 7-5, 6-4, American Nava overcame Luciano Darderi 7-6(3), 6-4, and Briton Peniston held his nerve to convert his eighth match point and seal a 6-1, 4-6, 7-6(10-7) win against Elias Ymer.