Chennai, Tamil Nadu, India, 5 January 2016 | AAP

Australia’s John Millman has scored a hard-fought three sets victory over Russia’s Evgeny Donskoy to advance to the second round of the Chennai Open on Monday.

The 26-year-old from Brisbane was forced to come from behind and save two match points before scoring an impressive 6-7(5) 6-4 7-6(6) win.

He will next meet the tournament’s No.4 seed Roberto Bautista Agut from Spain for a spot in the quarterfinals.

Did it the hard way but got the win. Can improve but happy to start the 2016 season with a win.… https://t.co/PPAMeNA5Aj

— John Millman (@johnhmillman) January 4, 2016