Sydney NSW, Australia, 16 September 2016 | AAP/tennis.com.au

Bernard Tomic has emulated compatriot Nick Kyrgios with a straight-sets victory in his Davis Cup match in Sydney on Friday.

Playing in the second singles rubber at Ken Rosewall Arena, Tomic dismissed Slovak Jozef Kovalik 7-6(5) 6-4 6-4.

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The victory came hot on the heels of Nick Kyrgios’ straight-sets win over Andrej Martin in the opening rubber.

Australia now leads 2-0 in the Play-off tie; victory in Saturday’s doubles would seal a 3-0 victory and a place in the Davis Cup World Group in 2017.

“A perfect start,” said Australian captain Lleyton Hewitt.

“We know it’s not over quite yet but the boys did really well today. They were obviously big favourites coming into both singles but you can’t take anything for granted in Davis Cup.

“There’s a lot more pressure on as well and sometimes it’s tougher when you are a lot more fancied chance to go out there and get the job done. The underdog comes out swinging and it can turn into a dogfight.”

After a tight first set, Tomic broke the world No.123 early in both the second and third sets to take command of the match.

He improved his Cup record to 17-4 in singles, matching the winning tally of the legendary Rod Laver in the 116-year competition.

“For me, there’s nothing that can match Davis Cup,” Tomic said.

“I love it with my heart and soul and I’ve always played well in the event and any tie that comes in the future, I’m always there 100 per cent for Davis Cup.

“It’s a huge thing for me because it’s not the fact it’s Davis Cup but the fact is you’re playing for your country, you’re playing (in a) different situation.

“You have your teams there, everyone supporting you in the team, that build-up for 10 days, two weeks before.

“Davis Cup ties are very, very different to anything you experience on tour alone. We compete so much alone for ourselves and when this comes around, it’s so different.”

> full details of the Australia v Slovakia Davis Cup World Group Play-off