Los Angeles (USA), July 28: Somdev Devvarman advanced to the second round of the USD 619,500 Farmers Classic singles event with a straight set victory over local qualifier Steve Johnson here.
Somdev, who made it to the main draw through a qualifier, beat his American opponent 6-4 6-4 in the first round match which lasted one and half hours.
The Indian, currently ranked 103rd in the world, was clearly the dominating player but had to dig deep into his reserves to win long rallies against his opponent, ranked outside the 1000 bracket.
He faces sixth seed and world number 45 Serbian Janko Tipsaveric in the second round.
Indian Davis Cupper Rohan Bopanna is competing in the doubles draw along with Pakistani partner Aisam-ul-Haq Qureshi.
The fourth seed pair will open its campaign against British combination of Colin Fleming and Ken Skupski.