Tennis: Jones wins first big match as an Aussie

Sacha Jones. Photo / Dean Purcell

Former New Zealand representative Sacha Jones hasn't taken long to taste victory in a main draw as an Australian after winning her opening round clash at the Hobart International today.

The world number 274 defeated Kristina Barrois in straight sets 6-1, 6-4. The German is ranked 89th in the world.

Jones, 21, will face Israel's Shahar Peer in the second round.

Jones was given a wildcard into qualifying and got past Alexandra Cadantu and Magdalena Rybarikova, before beating American Alison Riske 6-2 6-3 in the third round of qualifying to seal her spot in the main draw.

The former New Zealand number two switched allegiances to Australia after last week's ASB Classic citing the better resources across the Tasman give her a better chance to move up the world rankings.

Jones told Australian media earlier in the week that she was enjoying playing in front of her new home fans.

"It's actually been a really nice week to start and having the crowd support me because I'm an Australian is so cool,'' she said on the tournament's website.

"[Tennis Australia] gave me a wildcard into this event so that's obviously one thing that's been really helpful, otherwise I would be at home just practising right now.''

New Zealand No 1 Marina Erakovic lost in the opening round yesterday to no 1 seed Janina Wickmayer in straight sets 7-5 6-4.