In the first round of the tournament with prize money of US$442,000, Istomin defeated Matthew Ebden in straight sets 6-2 and 6-3.

The 25-year-old Uzbekistani was able to save all seven break points he faced, while Ebden could only save three of six as the match finished in 78 minutes.

The 188cm, 78kg Ebden had just two aces and made seven double faults as he struggled mightily on his serve, winning just 45 per cent of his second-serve points.

Istomin avenged a loss to Ebden in their only other career meeting in Brisbane last year. Istomin advances to the second round where he will play the winner of a match between American veteran Andy Roddick and Germany's Philip Petzschner.