Dutchman Robin Haase (pictured) knocked out second-seeded Marcos Baghdatis of Cyprus 6-3, 6-4 in 84 minutes. Baghdatis, who had won their only previous meeting at ATP Masters Series Montreal in three sets last year, failed to convert any of the seven break point opportunities he created and paid the price with a second first round exit at the tournament – having suffered the same fate in 2005 (l. to Devilder).
Haase, who is currently No. 116 in the South African Airways ATP Rankings, goes on to play Croatian qualifier Lovro Zovko, who hit 15 aces in breezing past Thierry Ascione of France 6-4, 6-0 in 59 minutes. World No. 759 Zovko saved eight-of-eight break points, while Ascione won just three points on serve in the second set. It was Zovko's first career ATP match win (1-5) and his only other wins (4) came in Davis Cup dead rubbers.
Alex Pastoor:
"Een uitslag is altijd terecht, of het nou verdiend is of onverdiend"
Martin Verkerk:
''Ik bepaal of ik win of verlies. Als ik goed speel dan win ik, als ik slecht speel dan is de kans dat ik verlies aanwezig.''