Djokovic progresses in Dubai

 

Originally published on: 26/02/10 12:20

The Serbian’s powerful and accurate groundstrokes proved too strong for his opponent as he broke twice early in the second set for a 4-1 lead.

Djokovic dropped his serve in the sixth game, though, as the Italian refused to lie down, but the former Australian Open champion reeled off the next two games for the match.

Next up for Djokovic is Jan Hernych after the Czech defeated Mikhail Youzhny 4-6 6-1 6-4.

Gilles Simon, the third seed and world number eight, was made to work for his second-round place, eventually battling past Mohammed Ghareeb 5-7 6-4 6-4.

The Kuwaiti wild card made a mockery of his ranking of 469, making his opponent sweat before eventually succumbing in over two hours.

Simon took just four of his 13 break points in the contest and will hope for an easier ride against Teimuraz Gabashvili in the second round.

Frenchman Arnaud Clement recovered from a 6-1 hammering in the opening set against Rainer Schuettler to win 1-6 6-3 6-3 and set up a second-round meeting with British number one Andy Murray.

Sixth seed Igor Andreev is also through thanks to a 6-4 6-0 success over Rik De Voest.

Richard Gasquet put pay to eighth seed Marat Safin, winning his match against the Russian 6-3 5-7 6-3.

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