SAN CLEMENTE, CA - Tom Evans had to fight to earn his spot in the main draw, but now that he’s here, the 23-year-old Australian is certainly leaving his mark.

After coming through Monday’s qualifying rounds unscathed, he took down No. 14 seed Rafa Hewett 11-2, 11-6 Tuesday afternoon to book his spot in the second round.

One of the keys for Evans was his forehand drives, which he used to paint lines on several third shot winners.

“I was serving and passing really well,” he shared of his opening round performance. “I felt like my forehand was on fire with the passing shots.”

This is Evans’ first time competing in a PPA event in the United States, and the Melbourne native has been impressed with just how many high-caliber players are taking to the courts at Life Time Rancho San Clemente.

“Everywhere you look, there’s a good player,” he said. “I’m from Australia, so you don’t have that depth of quality there, so it’s unreal just being here and soaking up the experience and just getting better.”

Evans will face No. 22 seed Tyler Loong in the Round of 32 on Tuesday.