Ferrer Races Through Rain-Delayed Opener
Top-seeded Spaniard David Ferrer needed to wait a day to begin his title defense at the 2008 Heineken Open, but wasted no time once he got on the court Wednesday in Auckland.
The defending champion raced through his first round match in just 57 minutes, turning in a flawless service game while breaking countryman Oscar Hernandez four times in eight chances to seal the 6-1, 6-2 victory.
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The 25-year-old Ferrer, currently ranked No. 5 in the South African Airways ATP Rankings, will take the court again Wednesday afternoon in his second round match against a well-rested Sergio Roitman. The Argentine played in one of three completed matches on Tuesday before rain curtailed play, defeating Czech qualifier Lukas Rosol in 70 minutes.
Argentine No. 3 seed Juan Monaco also eased through with a 6-3, 6-4 win over Swede Thomas Johansson, while Spaniard Juan Carlos Ferrero, the No. 4 seed, made quick work of American lucky loser Jesse Levine, 6-4, 6-1. Levine replaced 2006 finalist Mario Ancic in the draw when the Croat withdrew with a stomach virus.
Meanwhile, 2006 champion and fifth seed Jarkko Nieminen suffered a first round Auckland exit for the second straight year as he fell to Belgian Xavier Malisse 7-6(3), 6-3.
Last week's Adelaide titlist Michael Llodra continued his 2008 success with a comfortable 6-1, 6-4 victory over Korean Hyung-Taik Lee. He will attempt to take his season record to 7-0 when he encounters No. 8 seed Albert Montanes later Wednesday.
Croatian teenager Marin Cilic advanced to a second round clash with German No. 7 Philipp Kohslcreiber, comfortably topping Czech qualifier Tomas Cakl 6-4, 6-3 after their match resumed on Wednesday.
