Martin and Nieminen Advance
Seventh-seeded Jarkko Nieminen started strong at the Heineken Open by posting a 6-2, 6-2 win over Marcos Baghdatis on Tuesday. The Finnish will now face Paul Goldstein, who was leading Filippo Volandri 6-0, 3-1 before the Italian retired due to illness.
Third seed Robby Ginepri of the United States has been
knocked out of the tournament in first round by Spain's Alberto Martin
in three sets 7-6(1) 3-6 6-2.
Martin ranked No. 49th in the INDESIT ATP Ranking defeated world's No. 16th and US Open semifinalist Ginepri
by running down every shot and forcing errors in his opponent in hot
conditions.
The match was the first in the tournament to go to three sets.
"I think it was a good match to have confidence for the next match and
the Australian Open," said Martin.
Seeded players advancing were No. 2 seed David Ferrer, who defeated Italian qualifier Federico Luzzi 7-5, 6-2 and No. 6 seed Olivier Rochus, who ousted Albert Montanes 6-2, 6-4.
In other matches, Jan Hernych routed Andrei Pavel 6-1, 6-2 while Raemon Sluiter posted a 6-3, 6-4 win over Daniele Bracciali.
Massu Defeats Hrbaty in Opener
