Sela through to second round at Australian Open

Dudi Sela booked his place into the second round of the Australian Open after beating German Benjamin Becker on Tuesday morning.

Sela, Israel’s sole singles representative in Melbourne, defeated the 98th ranked player 6-1 6-3 2-6 6-2 and will next face Spaniard Fernando Verdasco, who beat Rafael Nadal in his first round match. Sela reached the third round of the tournament last year, where he was knocked out by Nadal.

Argentine Diego Schwartzman was forced into an early exit from the competition after he had to retire injured from his match against Australian John Millman, with him two sets to one up.

Wednesday sees Israel’s other player, Jonathan Erlich, get his doubles campaign underway when he and GB’s Colin Fleming, take on Netherland’s Robin Haase and Spaniard Fernando Verdasco.

Also in action on Wednesday is American teenager Noah Rubin, who takes on French qualifier Pierre-Hugues Herbert.