MONTPELLIER:
Third-seed Nikolay Davydenko beat Stephane Robert in straight sets to advance to the second round of the Montpellier International tournament. Davydenko entered the first-round fixture on the back of a five-game losing streak but was never troubled as he won 6-2, 6-1 in 59 minutes. Robert’s second serve proved to be his downfall as Davydenko broke his opponent on five occasions. Meanwhile, sixth-seed Florian Mayer faced some resistance from Gilles Muller before advancing with a 7-6, 6-3 win. French wildcard Guillaume Rufin also advanced as he defeated Vasek Pospisil 6-4, 7-6.
Published in The Express Tribune, February 1st, 2012.