Paolini qualifies for the second round of the Australian Open by beating Wei

Jasmine Paolini's draw for the first round of the Australian Open was rather lenient. She faced Sijia Wei, a qualifier.

The Italian prevailed 6-0, 6-4, without conceding a break.

She arrives here with a new status, compared to last year, when she reached the first second week of her career at the Australian Open.

She declared in a post-match interview: "Last year, it was unexpected, it was incredible. But this is a new year.

I'm happy to be back in Australia. Before last year, I'd never won a match in Melbourne. The first match last year gave me so much confidence.

It's great to be back here. I love the tournament. I love the city. I love the people."

She will face either Renata Zarazua or Taylor Townsend in the next round.