Jordan Thompson has taken just 65 minutes to sweep aside two-time grand slam semi-finalist Gael Monfils in the opening round of the Indian Wells Masters in California.

The 28-year-old from Sydney scored a 6-3 6-1 win on Wednesday to join compatriot Jason Kubler in the round of 64 after Kubler defeated Lorenzo Sonego 6-4 7-6 (7-4).

Thompson, the world No.87, didn't face a break point on serve and broke his French opponent on four occasions, twice in each set.

Monfils, 36, was competing for the first time since August due to a recurring foot injury.

Thompson, one of seven Australians in the men's draw, will face second-seeded Greek Stefanos Tsitsipas, who had a first-round bye, next.

Earlier, the 75th-ranked Kubler converted his only break point in the opening set to gain the ascendancy against Sonego.

The Italian world No.60 enjoyed one break point opportunity himself but couldn't convert, as the dour battle had to be settled by a tiebreaker.

Kubler, who along with Thompson is in the bottom part of the draw, will meet the 21st seeded Bulgarian Grigor Dimitrov, who received a bye into round two.

In an all-American contest, 21-year-old Brandon Nakashima took advantage of two double-faults by John Isner in an error-filled game to collect the match's only service break to reach the second round.

Nakashima won 7-6 (9-7) 6-3 in front of star Kansas City Chiefs quarterback Patrick Mahomes in the stands.

The 37-year-old Isner, the 2012 runner-up at Indian Wells, double-faulted seven times among his total of 25 unforced errors - 18 more than Nakashima.

Next up for the 48th-ranked Nakashima is 2022 US Open champion and former No.1 Daniil Medvedev, who is on a 14-match winning streak and won the past three tournaments he entered.

In other men's matches, Marcos Giron eliminated Aleksandar Kovacevic 6-3 7-5, Ugo Humbert beat Bernabe Zapata Miralles 6-2 7-6 (8-6) and Oscar Otte defeated Laslo Djere 6-3 7-5.

Australian qualifiers Thanasi Kokkinakis, Rinky Hijikata, Aleksandar Vukic and lucky loser Alexei Popyrin are all in action on Thursday, as is Kimberly Birrell in the women's draw.