American Todd Martin, playing his first match since losing to Goran Ivanisevic in the Grand Slam Cup final, eased into the second round of the Peters International tennis tournament today with a 6-1, 6-2 victory over Germany's Martin Sinner.
In a first-round women's match, Belgium's Sabine Appelmans failed to last in a marathon battle with Mariaan De Swardt of South Africa. Appelmans was forced to default with dehydration and cramps after 2 hours and 28 minutes, giving De Swardt a 6-7 (2-7), 7-6 (7-5), 6-5 victory.Chanda Rubin found little resistance from fellow American Lori McNeil in an evening women's match, winning 6-2, 6-2.
The sixth-seeded Rubin jumped to a 4-0 lead with an excellent serve, some deep forehands and by moving more briskly to the ball.
"I knew her game style, and I don't think she played as well as she would have liked," Rubin said of McNeil.
In the first major upset, Australia's Richard Fromberg outserved third- seeded Arnaud Boetsch of France, winning 4-6, 6-3, 6-3. Slamming 10 aces, Fromberg placed 76 percent of his first serves into play to keep Boetsch under pressure.
The other surprise of the day saw Renzo Furlan of Italy down Marcelo Rios, the eighth seed from Chile, 6-1, 7-6 (7-4).
The fifth-seeded Martin, who took just 65 minutes to advance, dropped just three points on serve in the first set. Sinner's backhand errors and several double faults proved costly.
"That was just what the doctor ordered," said Martin, who recently shaved off all his hair in a bet with a friend.
"I didn't know what to expect but I started off well and made good returns. He started to force a little bit and missed, and that just aided my cause."
Martin managed to grab just eight days vacation after competing in Munich in December, during which he played golf at home in Florida and then traveled to see his family in Michigan before beginning preparations for his Australian tour.
With such a short break, Martin wondered if there should be a later start to the Australian Open.
"I don't think we should have to play into December, and if the Australian (Open) could manage it I don't think we should have to leave just a day or two after the holidays.
"It's very difficult to pack your bags the day after Christmas, not just for the players but their families."
Fourth-seeded Marc Rosset of Switzerland was forced to withdraw after breaking a bone in his right hand during the final of the Hopman Cup on Saturday. Rosset caused the injury when he hit a court-side sign.
Petr Korda, who won the Qatar tournament Sunday, also withdrew. Having undergone a hernia operation in October, the Czech injured his groin in Qatar and has been advised to rest.