France’s Ugo Humbert, with his big serve, comfortably took the first set 6-3 against Italy’s Flavio Cobolli at the Ken Rosewall Arena in Sydney.

But Cobolli held his nerve and fought back to take the second in a tie-break 7-6, opening the door for Team Italy to claim the win.

Now, the pair are locked in the third, with Cobolli having made the first move to lead 2-1.

We’ve hit the ground running at the Brisbane International, with Spanish fourth seed Paula Badosa facing Armenian Elina Avanesyan on Pat Rafter Arena.

On Show Court 1, Australian seventh seed Alexei Popyrin is playing Matteo Arnaldi.

We’ll keep you across all the action in Brisbane as the day continues.

Hello Natty! Thanks for following the blog.

Sofia Kenin has advanced to the round of 16 in Auckland with a straight-sets win over China’s Wang Xiyu.

Kenin, the 2020 Australian Open champion, triumphed 7-6 (7/5), 6-1.

The American is 81 on the WTA rankings, having been as high as number four in the world in early 2020.

Meanwhile, Kenin’s compatriot and top seed Madison Keys won the first set against Italy’s Lucia Bronzetti, 6-4.

We’re going to a third set!

Italy’s Flavio Cobolli has levelled the men’s singles rubber against France’s Ugo Humbert.

Cobolli claimed the second set via a tie-breaker (10/8).

In our last update, France’s Ugo Humbert was serving for the match at 5-4 in the second set.

But Flavio Cobolli broke his French opponent and games went back on serve.

We’re now in a second-set tie-breaker with Cobolli desperate to extend the match to a third.

Two-time defending Australian Open champion Aryna Sabalenka will take to Pat Rafter Arena this afternoon.

Top-seeded Sabalenka faces Mexico’s Renata Zarazúa in her opening match.

But before Sabalenka hits centre court, Spain’s fourth seed Paula Badosa plays Armenian Elina Avanesyan.

And among the local hopes, Alexei Popyrin — seeded seventh in the men’s draw — meets Matteo Arnaldi of Italy.

Play is underway in the United Cup group tie between Italy and France on Ken Rosewall Arena in Sydney.

France’s Ugo Humbert took the first set against Flavio Cobolli 6-3 in the men’s singles rubber.

He is serving for the match at 5-4 in the second set after securing a break.

G’day and welcome to ABC Sport’s coverage of the summer of tennis as we edge closer to the Australian Open.

On the menu today will be the following tournaments:

• United Cup (Sydney and Perth)
• Brisbane International
• Canberra International
• Auckland Open

We’ll also keep you across any breaking news in the tennis world.

Stick around as it will be great to have your company throughout the day!