Stanek had claimed the first set, but was a break point down at 4-all in the second against Canberra’s Jake Eames.

However, after being forced off the Beaton Park courts for two hours, Stanek steadied on his return, taking out the match 7-6, 7-5 in more than two hours.

Dayne Kelly, the playing partner of former US Open doubles semi-finalist Ashley Fisher, produced a thrilling upset against Maverick Banes.

The No 6 seed, Banes won the first set in the tie-breaker, before bowing out 6-7, 6-3, 6-4.

Kelly broke Banes to lead 4-2 in the deciding set, before holding on.

The rain returned before 5pm, ending any chance of Kelly being back on court with Fisher.

In an anticipated doubles showdown, Fisher and Kelly will take on the American duo of singles top seed Connor Smith and Marcos Giron.

Smith, ranked 238 in the world, had few complications in easing past qualifier Scott Puodziunas 6-0, 6-2 in 47 minutes.

“There’s some really tough players, so we’ll see how it goes,” No 2 seed Ben Mitchell said of his rivals. “I’ve never played Connor, but I know he’s a he’s a great player.

“Marcos beat (Australian) John Millman last week, so there’s definitely some good players to beat in the draw.”

Teenage wildcard Max Purcell overcame qualifier Richard Yang, while Thirroul’s Blake Mott had some nervous moments in a 6-3, 7-6 win over Jake Delaney.