DUBAI, United Arab Emirates (AP)—Nikolay Davydenko defeated Florent Serra 6-7 (5), 6-4, 6-1 Tuesday despite playing with a sore left wrist.
The fourth-seeded Davydenko was a set and two break points down at 4-4 in the second. But he saved both and won eight successive points to force a deciding set.
Davydenko had 11 aces and saved all eight break points he faced from Serra. He said his wrist was still hurting after a fall during the Rotterdam semifinals two weeks.
I thought I broke wrist,'' Davydenko said.I had swelling for three days. I could not touch anything with my left wrist. I did not know if I would play here, which is the reason I requested a Tuesday start.
``But I started feeling a little bit better. I did not have any preparation for this tournament. I hope it's not a big problem and I can play here and the Davis Cup.''
The Russian won the tournament in Qatar last month.
Also moving into the second round was sixth-seeded Marin Cilic, who defeated Arnaud Clement 6-2, 6-4.
Other winners included Tommy Robredo, Janko Tipsarevic, Bjorn Phau and Michael Berrer and Somdev Devvarman.