Reilly Opelka gave locals plenty to cheer about at Indian Wells on Saturday afternoon, with a classy showing to see off Japan’s Taro Daniel 7-5, 6-3.
The seven foot tall American was never in trouble, kept service and attacked Daniel at every opportunity.
Meanwhile, Argentine Diego Schwartzman survived against qualifier Maxime Cressy in a 158-minute thriller on Stadium 3.
In contrast Schwartzman, at 5ft 5 inches tall had to use all his curtsied speed to defeat the French-born American Cressy, who at 6ft 5 inches towered over his opponent.
Cressy attacked the net at every opportunity as Schwartzman used his court craft to chase down the ball, hitting some superb shots on the run.
It came down a third set tiebreak where the more experienced Schwartzman prevailed.
