Goffin advances in ATP Monte-Carlo Masters

Paris April 17 (IANS) Tenth-seeded David Goffin of Belgium secured a second-round berth after overcoming compatriot Steve Darcis 6-2 6-1 at the ATP Monte-Carlo tennis Masters.

Goffin showed his dominance throughout the first-round match which only lasted 72 minutes and 30 unforced errors were much to blame for Darcis lopsided loss on Sunday reports Xinhua news agency.

Trailing 1-5 in the first set Darcis managed to save two set points before Goffin held his serve in the eighth game to build a solid start.

He went on to take all three games early in the second. A furious Darcis threw his racket onto the ground. Goffin conceded only one game to make it into the last 32.

I played well from the start and was solid in long rallies. It s never easy to take on a friend. I m very satisfied with my performance said Goffin who awaits Nicolas Almagro or a qualifier in the second round.

After beating Malek Jaziri of Tunisia 6-2 6-2 French player Gilles Simon also booked a second-round encounter with second seed Novak Djokovic who enjoyed a first-round bye.

Joao Sousa of Portugal eased past German player Florian Mayer 6-3 6-2.

Third-seeded Stan Wawrinka made good preparation for his singles appearance in the tournament as he and Italian partner Fabio Fognini eliminated Max Mirnyi and Daniel Nestor 6-4 7-6 (2) in the doubles first round.

The ATP Monte-Carlo Masters will run until April 23 with Roger Federer and Kei Nishikori absent from the tournament.

--IANS
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