Wilkinson salutes Rusedski

Chris Wilkinson, once Greg Rusedski's sternest critic, last night paid tribute to the Canadian-born British No 1 for his performances in the US Open.

The British No 4, who won his first round of the Samsung International against the New Zealand qualifier Alistair Hunt 6-2, 6-2 at Bournemouth yesterday, said: "I think Rusedski's performance was brilliant and great for British tennis." Wilkinson now meets the world No 14, Felix Mantilla.

The British No 6 Danny Sapsford also came through, although only by defeating his former Davis Cup team-mate Mark Petchey 6-4, 6-2. Petchey, playing his first match for four weeks since injuring a stomach muscle, far from his best.