It was a sportsmanlike response to a lob shot from opponent Lewis O'Brien, of Colac, after he perfectly placed the ball centimetres from the baseline.

The shot was impressive, but it was not enough to prevent Melbourne's William from holding his serve, which steered the 16 boys' number two seed to a 7-5 6-2 victory.

The result set-up a quarter-final showdown today with sixth seed John Giakoumakis, who did not complete yesterday's match due to his opponent retiring in the first set (4-4).

William, a North Ringwood Tennis Club member, said he would be searching for improvement on his volleys in this afternoon's match.

"They were just a bit weak," he said.

"They had nothing on them.

"(But) I served well when it mattered, like at the end of the first (set)."

The 16-year-old's campaign got off to an ideal start on Monday with an emphatic 6-0 6-1 win.

He believed his form has been undesirable leading into this week's tournament at Warrnambool Lawn Tennis Club but he is hoping to swing his momentum.

Someone who carried momentum into the open was Lewis.

"I just played in a tournament here," he said, referring to the Western Victoria School Age Championships earlier this month.

"I won the 16 and unders."

The Colac Lawn Tennis Club member - who also enjoyed a comfortable victory (6-2 6-1) in his first match of the open on Monday - did not hold high hopes ahead of yesterday's clash with William.

"I didn't think I was a big chance," the 14th seed said.

"I just wanted to turn up and see how I went.

"I wasn't too bad in patches.

"I thought I served well."

Lewis - who also highlighted William's strong serves - will contest the 16 boys' consolation rounds.

Open action continues today from 8.30am.