Estoril Open News and Events

Frederico Gil

© JLS

Fifth-seeded Gilles Simon and No. 7 seed Marc Gicquel advanced to the Estoril Open second round on Monday, but their sixth-seeded French compatriot Nicolas Mahut was not so lucky.

Having won singles rubber for Portugal in its European/African zone group tie against Tunisia over the weekend, Frederico Gil arrived at the Estadio Nacional full of confidence.

The 23-year-old, who has reached one semifinal on the ATP Challenger circuit at East London this year, caught sixth-seeded Frenchman Nicolas Mahut cold with a 6-0, 6-3 victory in 69 minutes.

Gil won 70 per cent of points on serve and hit three aces to condemn World No. 44 Mahut to his third first round exit of the season.

The World No. 146 now awaits the winner of either Portuguese compatriot Joao Sousa or Oliver Marach, both of whom secured their places in the main draw through the qualifying competition.

Simon bounced back from a first round exit at ATP Masters Series Miami this month with a solid performance against World No. 110 Roko Karanusic of Croatia, while Gicquel fought past Boris Pashanski of Serbia 6-4, 6-3 in one hour and 35 minutes.

Watch Monday's Highlights of the 2008 Estoril Open

Czech Ivo Minar, who reached the ATP Masters Series Miami third round (l. to Roddick), defeated Martin Vassallo Arguello of Spain 7-5, 6-1 in 91 minutes.