Davydenko beaten as seeds toil

 

Originally published on: 26/02/10 12:05

Fernando Gonzalez, seeded 12, was also dumped out by Gael Monfils 6-3 6-4, while third seed Novak Djokovic was pushed all the way by Victor Hanescu before the Romanian qualifier was forced to retire injured with the score at 6-7 (8/10) 7-6 (8/6) 3-1 in favour of the Serbian.

Djokovic’s fellow seeds Jo-Wilfried Tsonga, Ivo Karlovic and David Nalbandian also found life difficult, although they at least managed before to progress through to the third round. Davydenko, seeded fifth here, was sent tumbling by American qualifier Robby Ginepri 4-6 6-4 6-4.

Frenchman Tsonga was not too far away from joining Davydenko in suffering a second-round exit though, after being put to the test by Spaniard Marcel Granollers.

The Australian Open finalist lost the first set against Granollers and, having levelled up the match in the second, was taken to a tie-break in the decider before winning through 3-6 6-3 7-6 (7/5).

Nalbandian, the defending champion here, was also taken to three sets before seeing off Czech Tomas Berdych 6-2 6-7 (5/7) 6-1.

The Argentinian seventh seed, who beat Berdych and top-ranked trio Rafael Nadal, Djokovic and Federer in winning this tournament last year, will now face countryman Juan Martin Del Potro as he seeks to add the Madrid Masters title to the Stockholm Open crown he won last week.

Karlovic, the 14th seed, was another player made to work hard for his win, although he only needed two sets before downing Robin Soderling 7-6 (9/7) 7-6 (10/8).

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