Fifth seeded Ernests Gulbis of Latvia, who was sidelined since May this year when he suffered a right hamstring injury at Roland Garros, opened with 7-5, 7-5 victory over Lukas Lacko of Slovakia at Farmer Classic on Monday.

“It was a tough win because I didn’t feel the ball really well today,” said Gulbis. “Today’s match I didn’t care how I played. I just wanted to win whatever score. If I play more matches I’m going to get better.”

German Rainer Schuettler advanced to the second round when seventh-seeded Argentine Horacio Zeballos retired midway while trailing 6-3, 3-0.

“I’m a little sad because I know this is a really important tournament,” rued Zeballos. 

Sixth seed Janko Tipsarevic of Serbia eased past Colombian Santiago Giraldo 6-1, 6-0. 

In the last match of the day, Israeli Dudi Sela battled past Belgian Xavier Malisse 6-1, 4-6, 6-3 to reach the second round.