John Isner has kicked off his return to Auckland with a marathon three-set win over compatriot Sam Querrey this evening.
Isner, a late withdrawal from last year's tournament, was back on centre court at Stanley St for the first time since lifting the trophy in 2014 after being afforded a first-round bye.
His appearance on centre court lasted a bit longer than he probably would have been hoping, taking out the match 7-6 (10), 6-7 (7) 6-4.
The towering American was locked in an absorbing battle of wills for nearly two and a half hours.
The first two sets went to tiebreak, with Isner taking out the first and Querrey the second.
