Originally published on: 26/02/10 12:33
The fifth seed, who has twice reached the final in Halle and won the title in 2007, posted a 6-4 7-5 result against the world number 68 in only the second meeting between the two.
Berdych has been joined in the second round by sixth-seeded Russian Dmitry Tursunov, who was a 7-5 6-4 winner over countryman Igor Kunitsyn.
Home favourite Rainer Schuettler progressed after beating Frenchman Marc Giquel 6-3 6-4.
Two German wild cards also enjoyed successful starts in Halle with Benjamin Becker defeating Victor Hanescu of Romania 6-4 6-4, while Tommy Haas was a 6-2 6-2 winner over Austrian Stefan Koubek.
Florent Serra battled back from a set down to over Israel’s Dudi Sela in their first-round clash, the Frenchman prevailing 1-6 6-4 6-2.
Roger Federer is the reigning champion but has yet to decide whether he will defend his crown following his success in the French Open.
