Roundup: Peng Shuai on solid footing in positive day for China's tennis

China's hitters made it a clean sweep on the opening day of the Australian Open on Monday after all three players progressed to round two.

It wasn't the easiest of victories for the former world No. 14 Peng Shuai, however, having to come from behind in the second set against a more determined 23rd seed Daria Kasatkina following the shut out in the opening stanza. Peng eventually won 6-0, 7-6 (5) thanks to the cheers in the crowed in what was looking like a three-setter opening round.

"It looked like an easy score (in the first set) but it is not because we rallied and she also had a break point, but I saved it," Peng told reporters post match, adding in the second "we both just tried to fight really hard".

"We both (had) the chance, and then the end I think I was a little bit lucky with the tie break."

Following a bout of injuries and inconsistent play, the 30-year-old has managed to increase her world ranking 82 after suffering a drop to 182, regaining form at the Tianjin Open in October last year.

It's a solid start for the Chinese stalwart after a disastrous 2016 campaign following surgery where even in the doubles she could "not even cover half court" .

"It's a really good win," Peng said, adding the 2017 opener is a "really good time for me".

Peng will play either American Louisa Chinico or Canada's Eugine Bouchard in round two, quietly hoping she'll get the former.

"I know (Bouchard) is a good play, I just have to fight and enjoy it," Peng said, noting she distinctly remembers their tussle at the 2014 Indian Wells Masters.

"She beat me really easy... I'll really try this time (to win)," Peng said laughing, adding she won't watch the footage in preparation.

"I don't think I' m going to look at that match, I think I'll watch a good match, good point to get myself more confident."

Earlier on Monday Duan Yingying took her maiden victory at the Australian Open, defeating a nervous Slovakian qualifier Rebecca Sramkova in straight sets (6-3, 6-4) while Zheng Shuai set up a rematch of the China Open in round two.

The twentieth seed claimed the first round in a quick fire straight sets victory 6-0, 6-3 against Belarusian qualifier Aliaksandra Sasnovich.

"I'm quite satisfied with the result," Zhang told reporters as she eyes "a very tough match" against American Alison Riske in round two.

"It is always not easy to play in the first match.

"I just tried my best and let myself have the desire to win the match, (and) hope I can do better in the coming matches." Endit