Lopez ends losing streak

Spaniard finally makes it past first round in Shanghai

Last updated: 14th October 2009   Subscribe to RSS Feed

Lopez ends losing streak

Lopez: Long-awaited win

Also see

Feliciano Lopez ended his run of six consecutive first round defeats with victory on the opening day of the Shanghai Masters.

The 28-year-old Spaniard comfortably overcame compatriot Guillermo Garcia-Lopez 6-3 6-4 to advance to the second round.

Lopez had not progressed beyond the first round of an ATP Tour-level event since he reached the last 16 at Queen's in June.

"I think I played great," a relieved Lopez said of his performance.

"It's been a tough year for me. I didn't win so many matches, so I have to be happy to be in the second round here.

Focused

"I was very focused, playing very aggressive, and I kept playing in the same way for the whole match. That's probably the key."

Andreas Beck also advanced when Jose Acasuso was forced to retire with a left knee injury while 7-6 1-0 down to the German player.

After the match, Acasuso revealed that he had been suffering from the problem for a number of weeks.

He said: "I feel pain in my knee. It started at the US Open, and still I feel the pain in Kuala Lumpur and last week in Beijing - so I will go back to Argentina tomorrow and check with my doctor."

Elsewehere in the first round, Chinese wild card Shao Xaun Zeng came from a set down to beat Dudi Sela 2-6 6-1 6-4 and Igor Kunitsyn also fought back to overcome fellow Russian Igor Andreev 6-7 6-4 6-2.