Michael Venus has become the second New Zealander to reach the second round of the Australian Open.
Venus teamed up with India's Yuki Bhambri in the men's doubles to beat Spanish duo Roberto Bautista Agut and Daniel Gimeno Traver 6-2 7-5 in 71 minutes in Melbourne this afternoon.
They were more assured than the Spaniards, winning the big points, and converting three of five breakpoint opportunities.
In contrast, Bautista Agut and Gimeno-Traver failed to convert any of their eight chances to break their opponents' serve.
Venus and Bhambri, who received a wildcard entry by winning the Asia-Oceania playoff, will take on 10th seeds Jean-Julien Rojer of the Netherlands and Romania's Horia Tecau for a place in the third round.
New Zealand number one Marina Erakovic was already through to the second round of the women's singles.
She will be back in action tomorrow, when she plays world No 152 Zarina Diyas from Kazakhstan.
Erakovic is teaming up with China's Jie Zheng in the doubles, with the pair seeded 10th for the tournament.
