Faro’s world top-100 aspirant Rui Machado easily took the first Australian Open qualifying tournament hurdle before succumbing 6-3, 7-5 to American Alex Bogomolov Jr. in round two.
That left Frederico Gil as Portugal’s only representative in the main draw, a heavy burdon which saw the 25-year-old make an inglorious opening 6-0, 6-0, 2-0 (retired) exit to Spanish world No17 David Ferrer.
Top seed Roger Federer is again favourite to take tennis’ first Grand Slam event of the year as Britain’s Andy Murray faces the prospect of taking on Rafael Nadal and Martin Del Potro in successive quarter and semi-final encounters.
