Roddick eases through at Queen’s

 

Originally published on: 26/02/10 12:33

The American, seeded number two in the tournament, won the first set 6-1 and despite a spirited comeback by Vliegen, Roddick clinched the match 6-4 in the second.

The world number six has suffered only three defeats at the Queen’s Club since making his debut in 2001. He won three of his titles in consecutive years between 2003-5 and collected his last crown two years ago against Nicolas Mahut.

Elsewhere Juan Carlos Ferrero progressed into the second round with victory over former tournament runner-up Sebastien Grosjean – his 400th career win.

Wild card Grosjean lost the first set 6-2 and was then forced to retire with the score at 2-1 in favour of Ferrero in the second set.

It was Grosjean’s first ATP tournament since October but the player’s troublesome right shoulder injury forced him out of the action.

Number 13 seed Ernests Gulbis crashed out to Alberto Martin of Spain despite taking a one-set lead.

Gulbis took the first set 6-3 but the 30-year-old from Barcelona fought back to take the next two sets and defeat the Latvian in his first appearance in the tournament.

America’s James Blake made it through to the third round with a straight sets success over big-serving Ivan Ljubicic.

The number six seed, whose mother Betty is English, won the first set 6-2 before finishing off the Croat’s challenge with a 7-6 (4) tie-break triumph.

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