While the main draw of the ATP 250 tournament in Brisbane was drawn overnight, four French players hope to pass the two required rounds in qualifying.
This is the case of Richard Gasquet, who did not provide details for his first match of his last season on the circuit.
The 38-year-old Frenchman had no trouble getting rid of Derek Pham, Australian wild card (6-1, 6-2 in 48 minutes).
He will face Yannick Hanfmann, 96th in the world, for a place in the main draw.
It also goes for Lucas Pouille who overthrew Jason Kubler (4-6, 6-3, 7-6). He will be aiming for a second victory in a row against Nishesh Basavareddy.
Third French player who emerged victorious from his first round of qualifying, Benjamin Bonzi.
The 75th in the ATP ranking did not tremble against James McCabe and managed to close the affair in two sets and in 1h10 of match (6-3, 6-2).
On the other hand, Ugo Blanchet was eliminated. Facing Federico Agustin Gomez, the 25-year-old was not that far from victory but it was ultimately the Argentinian who came out on top (3-6, 6-3, 7-5). The latter will challenge Dusan Lajovic in the second round of qualifying.
