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Second seed Ancic cruises through

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MUMBAI, India -- World number 11 Mario Ancic swept past unseeded Russian Igor Kunitsyn 6-3 6-2 in the first round of the inaugural ATP Mumbai Open on Monday.

The 22-year-old Croatian, who was runner-up to Cypriot Marcus Baghdatis in the China Open two weeks ago, took 80 minutes to dismantle Kunitsyn.

Second seed Ancic braved the high humidity and was drenched in perspiration as he fended off a fighting Kunitsyn in the first set, breaking his opponent's serve in the fourth game.

Kunitsyn, ranked 122 in the world, did not surrender meekly though, and went on to save two break points to hold serve in the fifth.

But Ancic, who was sidelined for more than two months with a knee problem before making his comeback in China, wrapped up the match with three aces.

"It was a tough match as you see and in tough conditions" said Ancic, who sent down 11 aces. "I came in early to India to try and adjust to everything."

"I've known Igor for a long time -- we practiced together six-seven years ago in Monte Carlo. Igor played really well. Every match is important for me to regain the ranking I had before I got injured," he added.

Ancic will next meet Italian Stefano Galvani, who beat Czech Robin Vik 5-7 6-4 6-4 in his opening match.

Meanwhile, sixth seed Bjorn Phau of Germany powered past wild card Karan Rastogi of India 6-0 6-3.

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