Kyle Edmund saw off Davis Cup team-mate Dan Evans in straight sets in the first round of the Monte Carlo Masters.
Edmund, ranked one place below Evans at 45 in the world, recovered from a slow start to win 7-5 6-1.
The 22-year-old from Yorkshire, who rates clay as his favourite surface, will play nine-time Monte Carlo champion Rafael Nadal in round two.
Andy Murray, who watched compatriots Edmund and Evans from courtside, plays his opening match on Wednesday.
The world number one will take on the winner of Luxembourg's Gilles Muller against Tommy Robredo of Spain.