Fernando Verdasco fights back to beat James Ward

Fernando Verdasco has overturned a one-set deficit to advance through to the Australian Open second round with a win over James Ward.

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The 31st seed was blown away by the British number two during a one-sided opener but he recovered to move through by a 2-6 6-0 7-6 6-3 scoreline.

Ward only earned direct entry to the tournament after six players pulled out through injury, but the Londoner wasted little time in taking advantage of his good fortune by racing into a 4-0 advantage over the former Australian Open semi-finalist.

However, after he dropped the first set, Verdasco stormed back in a quick-fire second, breaking Ward on three occasions to level the match without conceding a game.

Ward hit back during the opening exchanges of the third before establishing a 4-2 advantage, but Verdasco wouldn't go away and after saving a set point in a tie-break, he recorded three points in a row to deliver a telling blow against the Brit.

An early break in the fourth put Verdasco well on his way, and although Ward had a chance to hit back at 4-3, he missed his opening to allow Verdasco to earn a place in the second round.