Spaniard Pablo Andujar has found the winning touch for the first time in 2013 as he won his opening-round clash at the Brasil Open.
The world number 46 headed into the tournament in Sao Paolo with a 0-4 record this year, having lost his last 11 matches since bowing out in the second round of last year's US Open.
But the 27-year-old put that record to bed on Monday, defeating Colombian Santiago Giraldo 6-4 7-6 (7-5).
Simone Bolelli also progressed to the second round, at the expense of Tommy Robredo, the Italian easing past the former world number five 6-2 6-4 in 76 minutes.
Lucky loser Martin Alund, who only made it into the tournament after his Argentinean compatriot Leonardo Mayer injured his back, made the most of his chance as he defeated Ricardo Mello 6-4 6-4.
Joao Souza, Paul Capdeville, Jorge Aguilar and Guilherme Clezar all qualified into the main draw.