Nalbandian safely through

ByEurosport

Published 17/04/2006 at 11:08 GMT

The Masters in Monte Carlo kicked off on Monday with a win for Argentine player David Nalbandian, who went safely through to the second round with a 6-4 6-4 win over Xavier Malisse of Belgium. Better news for Belgium came when Olivier Rochus beat an injur

Nalbandian, the third-seeded Argentine, made his bow on the Court des Princes, and will now meet the winner of an all-Italian match-up between Andreas Seppi and Davide Sanguinetti.

Over on the Court Central, Monfils took an early lead, taking the first set 6-4, before Rochus stormed back to win the second by the same margin.

TENNIS 2006 MS MONTE-CARLO MONFILS

Image credit: Reuters

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The Monegasque crowd were ready for an exciting third and decisive set, but Monfils could not match his opponent at all, falling to a 3-0 deficit, leaving his fans wondering what had happened.

The answer came at the change-over, as Monfils called on the ATP tour trainer, complaining of a thigh problem.

A five minute massage seemed to have done wonders for the youngster as he came out all-guns blazing to take the fourth game of the final set, but his recovery did not last for long.

Rochus regained his composure, and the upper hand, a game later before going on to take the match to book a second round date with Tommy Robredo or Luis Horna.

In the battle of the Italians on the Court des Princes, Andreas Seppi took three sets to beat Davide Sanguinetti 2-6 6-1 6-4.

Earlier, Alberto Martin, Michael Llodra and Jose Acasuso also made winning starts to the tournament.

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