Rusedski advances in Rome

Greg Rusedski grabbed a scrappy straight sets win over David Prinosil to advance to round two of the Masters Series event in Rome.  

The British number two came through a rain-delayed match played in light drizzle, winning 6-3 6-2 without having to move out of first gear.

He coped better with the heavy conditions posed by the elements, breaking Prinosil in the fourth game of the match to take the first set in 46 minutes.

Rusedski's sliced backhands posed plenty of problems for his German opponent, whose game was scattered with errors.

There was no way back for Prinosil after his nightmare game in the fifth game of the second set, when he served three double faults and allowed Rusedski to break.

The Briton broke again before serving out solidly for the win, which earns him what is certain to be a much tougher match at the next stage against either Slovakian Dominik Hrbaty or South Africa's experienced Wayne Ferreira.