Australian Bernard Tomic tuned up for his Sydney International title defence in grand style, beating Poland’s Grzegorz Panfil 6-1 6-4 at Perth’s Hopman Cup on Thursday night.
Tomic was ruthless in the 19-minute first set, losing just three points on his serve to grab the early advantage.
World No.288 Panfil displayed more fight in the second set, but Tomic had far too much class as he wrapped up the match in 53 minutes.
Sam Stosur can secure the tie win for Australia with an upset over world No.5 Agnieszka Radwanska in the women’s singles rubber.
However, Australia are no hope of making the final after losing to Canada and Italy earlier in the mixed-teams tournament.
Poland will go through to Saturday’s final if they beat Australia in the women’s singles rubber and mixed doubles.
But even a 2-1 loss could be enough for them to edge out Canada for a spot in the decider.
Canada secured a 3-0 tie win over Italy earlier on Thursday after Flavia Pennetta was forced to retire from her match against Eugenie Bouchard due to a wrist injury.
World No.11 Milos Raonic beat Andreas Seppi 6-2 6-4 in the men’s singles rubber, and Canada were also awarded wins in the women’s singles and the mixed doubles when Pennetta withdrew while trailing 4-0 in the first set against Bouchard.