Bolelli upsets Almagro at Madrid Masters

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October 14, 2008 09:49 IST

Italian Simone Bolelli upset local favourite Nicolas Almagro 7-6, 6-1 at the Madrid Masters on Monday to clinch a second-round meeting with fourth seed Andy Murray.

The 23-year-old Bolelli, who entered the draw after Russian Marat Safin withdrew with a shoulder injury, took advantage of his opponent's own shoulder problems to win through.

Almagro told reporters his injury-hit season had been "a year to forget".

American Mardy Fish eased past Belgian Steve Darcis 6-1, 6-4 to set up a clash with 15th seed Richard Gasquet of France.

World number 16 Gilles Simon of France came back from a set down to beat Russian Igor Andreev 4-6, 6-1, 7-6 and next faces American James Blake.

Olivier Rochus put up a spirited fight against Croat Marin Cilic but the Belgian was eventually outdone by the big serves and long reach of the 6-foot-6 world number 24, losing 6-3, 7-5.

Cilic plays Madrid local Fernando Verdasco in the second round.

Spain's Tommy Robredo ousted Italian Andreas Seppi 7-6, 3-6, 6-3 while Czech Tomas Berdych crushed German Rainer Schuettler 6-1, 6-2.

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