Monday, 13 August 2012:

Bernard Tomic defeated Ryan Harrison 6-4 7-6 (7-5) on Sunday in the opening match of the ATP Cincinnati Masters.

Tomic, who last week snapped a seven-match losing streak going back to his second-round exit at the French Open, needed an hour and a half to overcome his American opponent.

The Australian teenager will next face either Brian Baker or Philipp Kohlschreiber, with Roger Federer likely to await in the third round should he advance that far.

Fellow Australian Marinko Matosevic secured his spot in the main draw on Sunday with a 6-0 6-2 win over Poland's Jerzy Janowicz in the final round of qualifying.

Tomic is desperate to find form ahead of the US Open, which starts on August 27, but more importantly is in danger of falling outside the ATP's top 50.

In his eight-week slump, Tomic slipped from a career-high No.27 in the world to 49th and also lost his all-important status as a grand slam seed.

The 2011 Wimbledon quarter-finalist is likely to have no protection against the top 32 seeds in the first two rounds at Flushing Meadows, unless he rediscovers his form and advances past the likes of Federer at this week's tournament.

AAP