Estoril Open 2006 News and Events

Nikolay Davydenko broke a three-match opening round losing streak on clay Monday, overcoming American Vince Spadea 7-6(3), 6-3 at the Estoril Open.

Making his first appearance at the Estadio Nacional since making a first round exit two years ago, the 2003 champion fought back from a 5-2 first set deficit for victory.

Davydenko could meet Russian compatriot Marat Safin in the second round for the third time this season after losing to the former World No. 1 in Dubai and Indian Wells.

Safin, the 2004 runner-up, will open his campaign against a qualifier on Tuesday.

There were only two other men’s singles matches on Monday.

Gilles Muller produced a stunning performance to knock out Christophe Rochus of Belgium.

Forty-three places separate the pair in the ATP INDESIT Rankings, but No. 71 Muller proved in devastating form hitting ten aces and winning 76% of points on first serve.

Muller’s recorded his 6-2, 6-0 victory in 45 minutes on Central Court.

American Justin Gimelstob booked his place in the second round with a 3-6, 7-5, 6-3 comeback win over Lukas Dlouhy on Centralito in the last singles of the day.

In the final qualifying round for the men’s singles main draw, the top four seeds: Fabio Fognini (No.1), Michal Przysiezny, Leonardo Azzaro and Gustavo Marcaccio advanced.

Lucky losers into the main draw include 15-year-old Gastao Elias, Jeremy Chardy, David Luque and Didac Perez.