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11/22/2024 02:13:19 am

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Valencia Open 500: Andy Murray Wins Opener; David Ferrer Sets up all-Spanish Second Round

David Ferrer has setup an all-Spanish encounter in the second round of the Valencia Open 500 in Spain

(Photo : atpworldtour.com)

Third seeded wild card entry Andy Murray won his opening match while top seed David Ferrer has setup an all-Spanish encounter in the second round of the Valencia Open 500 in Spain on Wednesday.

The recent Erste Bank Open champion stepped up his campaign in qualifying for the year-ending ATP World Tour Finals in London as he entered the tournament to gain some more valuable points.

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Britain's No. 1 Murray had a shaky start against Jurgen Melzer of Austria as they traded breaks in the early in the first set but settled down mid-way to break the Austrian twice and then served out for the set.

In the second set, Melzer showed determination as he broke the 27-year-old Scot twice but Murray was more determined as he broke Melzer three times to finish the set and the match 6-3 6-4 that lasted an hour and 21 minutes.

Next up for the former tournament champion is Italian Fabio Fognini who defeated Spanish qualifier Albert Ramos-Vinolas in the first round.

Last year's runner-up Ferrer started a bit tense with his serves in the first set as Andreas Seppi capitalized with a break on his serve but the home crowd favorite bounced back and broke the Italian twice to take the set.

Both players were determined in the second set as they exchanged breaks early but the former three-time tournament champion would not be denied at home as he rallied back and broke Seppi twice to win the set and the match 6-3 7-5 that lasted an hour and 34 minutes.

Ferrer now faces fellow compatriot Fernando Verdasco in the next round who won against Leonardo Mayer of Argentina in their opening round.

A mini upset was enjoyed by Brazilian qualifier Thomaz Belucci as he disposed unseeded defending champion Mikhail Youzhny of Russia in straight sets 7-5 6-3.

Belucci is set to go up against sixth seeded Roberto Bautista Agut of Spain who had a remarkable stint in Moscow last week as he placed second to Kremlin Cup champion Marin Cilic.

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