Stepanek sees off Ferrero

 

Originally published on: 26/02/10 12:52

The 13th-seeded Czech raced past former world number one Juan Carlos Ferrero 6-3 6-0, breaking his Spanish opponent four times during the match.

David Ferrer, the number 16 seed, also progressed beating Richard Gasquet 6-4 6-3 in his opening clash.

The 14th seed, Tommy Robredo, was a 6-1 6-4 winner over French qualifier Michel Llodra, while 10th seed Fernando Gonzalez was handed his place in the next round when Germany’s Mischa Zverev retired hurt with a wrist injury in the third set.

James Blake was made to work hard by Ivo Karlovic before eventually overcoming the big Croatian 3-6 7-6 (7/4) 6-4 to set up a second-round clash with Rafael Nadal.

Marat Safin, who is set to retire at the end of the season, was a convincing 6-4 6-4 victor over Chinese wild card Gong Mao-Xin.

Stanislas Wawrinka fought back from a set down to see off Poland’s Lukasz Kubot 2-6 7-6 (7/5) 7-6 (7/3), while other first-round winners included German duo Rainer Schuettler and Florian Mayer.

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