Big-serving Sam Groth has claimed his first victory since last year’s US Open by powering past Frenchman Adrian Mannarino in the opening round of the Australian Open.

The reigning Newcombe Medallist quickly overcame a third-set blip against Mannarino to win 7-6 (8-6) 6-4 3-6 6-3, setting up a second-round clash against either No.2 seed Andy Murray or German Alexander Zverev.

It was a drought-breaking victory for Groth, who had lost in the first round of his past four tournaments, including the Brisbane and Sydney Internationals.

Earlier on Tuesday, Australian teenagers Maddison Inglis and Priscilla Hon were beaten in straight sets on their grand slam singles debuts.

Inglis, 18, went down 6-3 6-0 to No.21 seed Ekaterina Makarova from Russia, a semi-finalist at Melbourne Park last year.

Hon bowed out 6-0 6-3 to German Annika Beck.

There are 13 Australians involved in singles action on day two at Melbourne Park.