THE ASSOCIATED PRESS
LONDON -- Four-time champion Lleyton Hewitt eased into the second round of the Artois Championships at London's Queen's Club on Monday, beating British wild card Joshua Goodall 6-4, 6-4 on the opening day of the Wimbledon grass-court prep event.
Robby Ginepri overcame Vincent Spadea 6-4, 7-6 (4) in an all-American battle, and next faces third-seeded compatriot Andy Roddick.
French Open champion Rafael Nadal of Spain and the other eight top seeds, including Roddick, Novak Djokovic of Serbia, David Nalbandian of Argentina and Richard Gasquet of France all have byes into the second round.
The 11th-seeded Hewitt easing through the opening set after breaking for 2-1. The Australian had to show patience in the second set, but broke again to lead 4-3 when Goodall foot-faulted to concede his serve.
"It's always a little bit tough, first match on grass," Hewitt said. "The court on the first day hasn't had any play on it either. A little bit greener out there. You just got to be careful with your footing a little bit. That's probably the biggest thing. "
Russia's Marat Safin was stretched by 495th-ranked James Ward before prevailing 4-6, 6-1, 6-4.
The British qualifier broke Safin's serve to lead 2-1 and fought off a break point as he served for the opening set at 5-4. And although Safin swept the second set and claimed an early break in the third, the former No. 1 then had to fight off three break points at 3-2 before securing a place in the next round.
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