Gasquet wins first match of 2009 season; Soderling, Dent, Benneteau also advance

In an all French battle at the inaugural Brisbane International on Sunday, No. 7 seed Richard Gasquet (pictured) defeated Marc Gicquel, 4-6, 6-2, 6-2, to post the first victory of the 2009 ATP Tour season and advance to the second round. No. 4 seed Robin Soderling and American Taylor Dent also advanced on Day One at the tournament being held at the new $82 million Queensland Tennis Center in Australia.

In just over two hours, Gasquet was able to break Gicquel’s serve on five of 18 chances, while smashing six aces. Gasquet won 69 percent of his first serve points compared to 67 percent by Gicquel, helping the World No. 23 improve to 3-1 lifetime against his fellow Frenchman. The 22-year-old is trying to win his first ATP singles title since 2007 when he defeated Olivier Rochus to win the Mumbai tournament. Gasquet will next face Dent, who is on the comeback trail after having two back surgeries and missing two years on tour.

Dent, once ranked as high as No. 21 in the world, won his first ATP level match since February 2006 by defeating Belgian Steve Darcis, 7-6(0), 6-2. Currently ranked No. 865 in the South African Airways ATP Rankings, Dent played two ATP level events last season and three challenger tournaments, winning only two matches, which were both won at the challenger event in Champaign. Dent had a tremendous serving outing today, smashing eight aces and only losing six points on his first serve. The Newport Beach based American was able to break serve on four of five opportunities in the match that lasted one hour and 25 minutes. Dent’s second round clash with Gasquet will be only their second meeting with Gasquet winning last time in straight sets in Nottingham in 2005 on grass.

Soderling, who won the Lyon title last fall and is currently ranked at a career-best No. 17, cruised to victory over big serving American Sam Querrey, 6-3, 6-3, in just under an hour. Soderling won 26 of 30 first serve points, while firing seven aces past Querrey. The Swede was able to break serve on three different occasions, while Querrey did not have any break point chances. Soderling improves to 2-0 lifetime against the Californian and will next face Frenchman Julien Benneteau, a three set winner over Robby Ginepri.