Australian Bernard Tomic is back on the winners' list after a lean three months, defeating Portugal's Joao Sousa in the opening round of the Japan Open in Tokyo.

Tomic had not recorded a victory on the ATP Tour since a second round victory at Eastbourne in June prior to Wimbledon.

The 24-year-old Australian, who had lost four first round matches in a row, won a rollercoaster match against world No.58 Sousa, 6-3, 3-6, 6-3.

Tomic will face either Donald Young or Diego Schwartzman in the second round.