Seeds Fernando Gonzalez and Marcus Baghdatis advanced to the second round of the Las Vegas Open with straight sets victories in their opening matches on Tuesday.
Number one seed Gonzalez fought off Dudi Sela of Israel 6-2, 7-6 and number three Baghdatis went through with a 7-6, 6-1 triumph over American Vincent Spadea.
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Qualifier Kevin Anderson of South Africa used a big serve to upset Frenchman Llodra 6-2, 7-6.
World number 13 Gonzalez, who won his ninth career singles title at Vina del Mar this year, said the 63rd-ranked Sela made it tougher for him in the second set by playing more conservatively.
"He didn't go for too much," said the Chilean, who wrapped up the match in 81 minutes after a second set tiebreak.
"I had a 3-0 lead after an ace and then I led 4-1 so it wasn't too bad."
Baghdatis survived a troublesome first set to move on to play another American, Robby Ginepri, in the second round.
"I feel very confident at the moment," the Cypriot said. "I'm playing very good tennis."
That, he said, allowed him to weather the storm in the close first set. "I knew what to do, be aggressive, serve well and that's what I did on important points," he said.
"I'm very happy that I won today and that I'm in the second round."
Fifth-seeded Potito Starace of Italy also advanced, defeating Carlos Berlocq of Argentina 7-6, 6-0. Anderson, ranked 175th, belted 10 aces on the way to ousting the world number 37.
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