Draper cruised past 2016 bronze medallist and former US Open runner-up Kei Nishikori 6-1, 6-4, while Evans bounced back from a fall on court to beat Tunisia’s Moez Echargui 6-2, 4-6, 6-2.

Both players face tough challenges in the next round – with the British No.1 taking on seventh seed Taylor Fritz and Evans facing former Roland Garros runner-up Stefanos Tsitsipas.

The results had added significance for both Draper and Evans, coming on their Olympics debut for Team GB.

Draper admitted after his match that he’s revelling in the Olympics atmosphere and particularly enjoyed being part of the opening ceremony.

“Apart from the rain, I thought it was an unbelievable experience,” said Draper in his post-match media.

“I saw a few people maybe said it didn’t look that great on the TV or something but to be there as someone on the boat and see all the crowds and there was a tightrope walker and there were planes doing amazing things.

“I think it was in the top five best moments of my life so far. I thought it was amazing and I’d be gutted if I had missed it for sure.”

Evans – who had to miss the Tokyo Games with COVID – is also competing at his first Olympics and like his countryman, has noted the unique experience as a real highlight.

“It’s been hectic, new experiences but great experiences,” Evans said. “I won’t be rushing off; I want to take it all in.

“I’ve actually spoken to a lot of the boxing coaches – they’ve been great and I’ve been taking an interest in that, swapping notes, seeing how they run it compared to us. It’s pretty interesting.

“Genuinely it has been one of the best experiences of my life so far – how we’ve been looked after has been top. Hopefully we’re still here next week.”

Evans made it two wins from two later in the day – teaming up with Andy Murray in the former world No.1’s final tournament to come back and beat Nishikori and Taro Daniel 2-6, 7-6(5), 11-9.

The Brits saved five match points in the deciding match tie-break – overturning a 9-4 deficit by winning seven points in a row.

Brought onto the topic of housemates in the Village, Evans said that doubles partner Murray had been surprisingly tidy, but instead joked that Draper was the noisy one in the team apartment.

 “I’ve got to say I thought Andy (Murray) would be a disgrace, untidy, but he keeps his stuff to the side together,” Evans said laughing. “We’re pretty lucky actually. No one’s messy. I think we’ve all sort of respected each other.

“Jack can get after it quite a bit at some strange times. I wake up early, but he wants to have a full-bloodied argument at like 23:00 when we’re trying to settle down.

“He storms in because he’s been sitting on his bed for about four hours and wants to get fired up. He could argue about anything.”

Evans will play Tsitsipas tomorrow, while Draper plays on Tuesday.

Elsewhere, British No.1 Katie Boulter lost to Anna Karolina Schmiedlova 6-4, 6-2, while Cam Norrie was forced to withdraw with a left arm injury.