Dan Evans kept his cool and booked a place in the third round amid an umpiring row that left opponent Jeremy Chardy seething.
Evans had battled for three-and-a-half hours to get past Facundo Bagnis in extreme heat in his opener in Melbourne but needed less than two hours to wrap up a 6-4, 6-4, 6-1 victory over 35-year-old Chardy in much cooler conditions.
The veteran Frenchman was incensed by an incident in the seventh game of the first set when, facing break point, a ball fell out of his pocket during play, which would normally cause the point to be replayed.
But German umpire Miriam Bley did not notice until a split second after Chardy netted and awarded the point to Evans.
Chardy argued his case at length and the supervisor was called but the decision remained the same.
He said afterwards: ‘It’s a big mistake from the umpire. I was angry because she should stop straight away and she says she didn’t even see the ball. If she doesn’t watch the point, I don’t know why she’s on the chair. So I was p****d.’
Evans did not get involved, which may also have played a part. Umpires should only call a let in such cases if the opposing player is hindered. Chardy could not hinder himself.
The British No.2 said: ‘The only part I wanted to clear up was I was just simply asking the umpire why it was a let.’
Evans, 32, would like to see the rule changed, adding: ‘It’s the worst rule ever. If a ball comes out of your pocket, it’s your own fault.’
He will next face fifth seed Andrey Rublev, who defeated Finn Emil Ruusuvuori in four sets.
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