Houston, TX, United States, 9 April 2019 | tennis.com.au

Bernard Tomic progressed to the second round of the ATP event in Houston after victory over Denis Kudla at the 250-level clay-court event on Monday.

Tomic saved two set points in the first-set tiebreak and recovered from 0-3 down in the second to post a 7-6(8) 7-5 victory.

It was a much-needed win for the Queenslander, who had lost six of his nine matches in 2019 before arriving in Houston.

Bernin’ up the Night 🌚

Australian Bernard Tomic closes out American Denis Kudla 7-6(8), 7-5 in his #USClay debut. pic.twitter.com/7j1lCHRfE8

— Fayez Sarofim & Co. US Clay (@mensclaycourt) April 9, 2019

Next up for Tomic is Marcel Granollers of Spain; the world No.112 beat American Taylor Fritz in three sets in his opening-round match.

Tomic joins seventh seed and fellow Aussie Jordan Thompson in the last 16; Thompson opens his Houston campaign against qualifier Pedja Krstin.

Thompson also teamed with Lleyton Hewitt in the doubles event, but went down in the first round to Austin Krajicek and Artem Sitak 6-2 4-6 [10-8].

He plays his singles match on Tuesday (local time) against Krstin.

Another Aussie, Matt Reid, is partnering Granollers in the doubles draw.