Big-serving Rusedski wins in Stuttgart

Greg Rusedski cruised into the third round of the $2.95m Stuttgart Masters Series tennis tournament today.

Greg Rusedski cruised into the third round of the $2.95m Stuttgart Masters Series tennis tournament today.

Rusedski used his big serve to oust 16th-seeded Mariano Puerta of Argentina, firing 15 aces in his 6-2, 6-3 victory.

He said: "I thought that was one of my best serving performances this year. I didn't miss too many first serves.

"You don't want to give him a chance from the back because the court is slow enough that he can really make you move, make some returns. It was really a satisfying performance today."

Rusedski made 77 per cent of his first serves and won in 54 minutes.

Argentine Puerta, a semi-finalist in five tournaments this year but playing his first indoor event, said he was bothered by a wrist injury.

"I felt it five weeks ago, I retired in Palermo (Italy) and I stopped playing for two weeks. I practiced without pain but then I felt it again in the second set.

"He served very well, he serves with top spin, with slice.

Mark Philippoussis, an Australian who is another big server, drilled 11 aces in beating Arnaud Clement of France 6-3, 6-3 in one hour.

Dominik Hrbaty of Slovakia moved into the third round by defeating Carlos Moya of Spain, a former world number1, 6-3, 3-6, 6-2.