Kohlschreiber, Massu Win Openers
Only three matches were completed at the Heineken Open on Tuesday, as rain postponed play early in the day.
Seventh-seeded German Philipp Kohlschreiber avoided the wet weather by converting all five break points he created in a 7-5, 6-2 win over American Michael Russell, currently No. 101 in the South African Airways ATP Rankings. In the pair’s first career meeting, Kohlschreiber hit seven aces and five double faults – winning 28 of 37 points on first serve.
Heineken Open TV Schedule
The 24-year-old is a two-time Auckland quarterfinalist, most recently in 2007 when he fell to eventual finalist Tommy Robredo. Last week in his 2008 season opener, Kohlschreiber reached the Doha quarterfinals (l. to Ljubicic).
Argentine Sergio Roitman won the first match on day two with a 6-2, 7-5 victory over Czech qualifier Lukas Rosol in 70 minutes. Roitman could face top seed and defending champion David Ferrer in the second round.
In a first-round match between qualifiers, Chilean Nicolas Massu (pictured) defeated Kiwi wild card G.D. Jones, 6-4, 6-2 in 83 minutes. Massu, who reached the Auckland quarterfinals two years ago, awaits the winner between 2006 champion Jarkko Nieminen and Belgian Xavier Malisse.
Jones, ranked No. 1214 in the South African Airways ATP Rankings, was appearing in his second ATP tournament. His made his debut in 2005 as a wild card at the Heineken Open.
Czech qualifier Tomas Cakl lead Marin Cilic of Croatia 2-1, when rained stopped play. Twenty-one matches are scheduled to be played on Wednesday, including six first round matches.
