Slovakia’s Martin Klizan is one lucky lucky loser.

The 24-year-old world No.106 thought he’d missed the chance to play in the Australian Open when he lost to Austria’s Dominic Thiem in straight sets in the final round of qualifying.

But when Nicolas Almagro pulled out of the main draw, Klizan was selected at random as the lucky loser from the qualifying tournament to replace him.

As if that was not good fortune enough, Klizan drew American 13th seed John Isner, who was battling an ankle injury, in the first round on Tuesday.

As Isner struggled to move, Klizan took advantage to build a 6-2 7-6 (8-6) lead before the 208cm American quit.

Remarkably, it was the third time in the Slovakian’s nine grand slam appearances that his first-round opponent has retired injured partway through their match.

He’s only won in the first round on two other occasions.

Asked about his charmed run through to the second round at Melbourne Park, Klizan, who speaks six languages, said he would try to make the most of it.

“God gave me lucky loser, so I just want to use the chance and I will work hard again and I hope I can win another round,” he said.

He likes his chances.

His next opponent will be Slovenian world No.185 Blaz Rola, a qualifier.

Remarkably, if Klizan wins that match, he could play another lucky loser, Frenchman Stephane Robert, in the third round.

Robert replaced Philipp Kohlschreiber in the draw after the German 21st seed pulled out with a hamstring injury before his scheduled first-round match.

Like Klizan, Robert capitalised by winning on Tuesday.

It means Klizan won’t face a seeded player until at least the fourth round.

It gives him a great opportunity to regain lost rankings ground, having tumbled from No.26 in March last year, as wrist and ankle injuries ruined the second half of his 2013.