13/10/2008 10:46 AM
Ernests Gulbis will get first crack at home favourite Rafael Nadal in this week's Madrid Masters after defeating Nicolas Kiefer in one of Sunday's two opening-round matches.
Gulbis had to fight back from a set down to beat Kiefer, the former world No.4 from Germany, but progressed through to a second-round showdown with Nadal thanks to a 5-7 6-4 7-5 win.
The 20-year-old Latvian will have his work cut out to overcome Nadal, though, with the Spanish ace in buoyant mood after on Sunday receiving his trophy for being the No.1 player in the world.
Speaking after the presentation in front of a sizeable and enthusiastic crowd in the Spanish capital, Nadal said: "I've said that there's no better trophy. It's every player's goal to become number one in the world."
"Receiving this trophy here is very special. If Madrid was chosen as the location where I received the trophy, it's because it's where I have had some of the best moments of my career and I want to have my best memories here."
The 22-year-old Mallorcan has won eight singles titles this year, including Wimbledon, Roland Garros and the Olympics, while he also helped Spain reach the Davis Cup final.
However, he is not looking too far ahead for this week's Madrid Masters, saying: "I've a long way to go a and lot of work to do."
"I don't think about winning titles before the tournament has begun, especially when the best 38 players in the world are here, it's easier to lose than win," added Nadal, who has received a first-round bye.
Aside from Gulbis, Radek Stepanek also made it through his first-round tie on Sunday and he also now faces a daunting task in the shape of second-round opponent Roger Federer, the world No.2.
The Czech at least had an easier time of it than Gulbis, thrashing Argentinean Monaco 6-1 6-1 in double-quick time.
The other matches played on Sunday were in the final round of qualifiers, with Olivier Rochus, Victor Hanescu, Robby Ginepri, Florent Serra and Steve Darcis all progressing through.
Rochus beat Guillermo Canas 7-5 6-3, Hanescu eased past Julien Benneteau 6-4 6-3, Ginepri defeated Eduardo Schwank 7-6 (7-2) 6-4, Serra saw off Jose Acasuso 6-4 6-4 and Darcis knocked out Simone Bolelli 7-6 (7-4) 7-6 (7-2).
Ivan Ljubicic's tournament is already over though after the former world No.3 fell to Marcel Granollers 7-5 7-5 in his qualifier.