Australian Alexei Popyrin had his nose in front of Thiago Monteiro in their first-round encounter at the ATP Tour’s Winston-Salem Open when play was suspended due to heavy rain.

The 20-year-old Popyrin blasted 12 aces on his way to a 5-7 6-4 3-2 lead, with Brazilian Monteiro to serve when the match resumes.

After breaking into the ATP’s top 100 for the first time in August last year, Popyrin has had a lean main draw run in 2019 with eight wins and 13 losses.

A win over Monteiro would see him advance to a meeting with 13th-seeded Serbian Miomir Kecmanovic while a potential clash with Andy Murray looms in the third round.

Murray is scheduled to play American Tennys Sandgren in his tournament opener.

Former world No.1 Murray lost to Frenchman Richard Gasquet in the first round of the Cincinnatti Open last week in his first taste of singles action in seven months.

Australian 14th seed John Millman had a first-up bye and is drawn to face Italian Marco Cecchinato, who advanced to the second round when Alexander Bublik retired in their opening match, on Wednesday.

Meanwhile Duckhee Lee, the first deaf professional on the ATP Tour, is just two points from securing victory in his debut main draw match against Switzerland’s Henri Laaksonen.

The 21-year-old Korean leads Laaksonen 7-6 (7-4) 5-1, with a 30-15 advantage on his serve.

World No.212 Lee, who would face third-seeded Pole Hubert Hurkacz in the second round if successful, told the ATP he can only hear loud noises like car horns or people screaming.

“I cannot hear the ball or anyone making calls on court – I really focus on the ball and the gestures of my opponent,” he said.

Despite the rain delay, Lee said he felt right at home in the American summer.

“I am really excited to be here…I am excited, nervous and will do my best,” he said.

“I do well in hot weather. My nickname in Korean media is ‘Guy of Summer’. I love the heat here.”