Brydan Klein beaten in straight sets during Australian Open qualifiers

Brydan Klein has been knocked out of the Australian Open in the first round of qualifiers, as the 26-year-old Brit was beaten in straight sets by German Peter Gojowczyk. Klein's efforts to reach the Australian Open main draw were ended in abrupt fashion – 7-5, 6-2 – as he lost on court 10 in Melbourne.

The Aussie-born star – who switched his international allegiance three years ago – had been looking to reach the men's draw of the Australian Open for the first time while representing Great Britain.

The controversial right-hander received a six-month ban from the sport in 2009 after he racially abused an opponent at a tournament in England. But since switching nationalities, Klein has struggled to make a mark in the men's game. His best performance was, in fact, reaching the first round of Wimbledon in 2015, when he lost to Italy's Andreas Seppi, going down 6-3 6-2 6-2.

By contrast, fellow Brit James Ward progressed to the next stage of qualifying with a 7-6, 6-4 win against Canadian Peter Polansky. Dan Evans also enjoyed a straight sets win (7-6, 6-4) against his Italian opponent Luca Vanni. He will will face Israel's Amir Weintraub in the second round.

Qualifiers must win three matches to progress as one of 16 qualifiers for the main draw, which already includes British duo Andy Murray and Kyle Edmund.