Nerves were not an issue for Australian Matthew Ebden in his first ATP main draw appearance in six months.

Then again, having a 24-time grand slam winner as a fan can boost your confidence.

Ebden said wise counsel from family friend Margaret Court had helped his game – and it showed in a 6-3 6-4 first round win over American Alex Kuznetsov.

South African-born, Western Australia-based Ebden is assured of a much tougher workout in the second round – his 2013 Wimbledon tormentor and Brisbane second seed Kei Nishikori of Japan.

Ebden had hired best mate and groomsman Mark Shanahan as his coach when he cut ties with Australian tennis legend Peter McNamara in October.

Shanahan’s great aunty is Court.

“Since I was 14 years old I’ve been lucky to be around her,” he said of Court, who like Ebden is based in Perth.

“Our families have always been relatively close. If I ever needed advice or whatever when I’ve gone back there, I spend a couple hours talking to her now and then.

“She’s an incredible woman. She was obviously such a great champion … she gives you more different angles and insight in the game than just the way you think.

“She’s a really calming influence and she really believes in me a lot. She’s just a nice woman to be able to know.”

Ebden was one of the big movers in the 2013 rankings after a successful run on the second tier Challenger circuit cut his ranking from 153rd to 68th, close to his career high of 61.

He is already guaranteed an Australian Open main draw place alongside Davis Cup teammates Bernard Tomic, Lleyton Hewitt and Marinko Matosevic.

His convincing first round Brisbane will give Ebden extra confidence – and he will need it against Nishikori.

The world No.17 blew Ebden away in straight sets the last time they met in the 2013 Wimbledon first round.

“He came out playing unbelievable. I didn’t have much time on the ball at all,” Ebden said.

“I’m expecting a very tough match.”