Djokovic looks for Dubai title

Novak Djokovic began his quest for a successful title defense by taking a hard-fought win over Spaniard Guillermo Garcia-Lopez.

Novak Djokovic of Serbia returns a shot against Guillermo Garcia-Lopez of Spain during their match on the first day of the ATP Dubai Tennis Championships February 22, 2010. REUTERS/Karl Jeffs

The number two seed moved to the top after Roger Federer withdrew from the tournament. Djokovic traded breaks of serve with Garcia-Lopez in the first and second sets. But the Spaniard failed to hold when it mattered most. He suffered breaks to end both sets and Djokovic advanced to the second round, where he will face fellow Serb Viktor Troicki.

Murray beats Kunitsyn 6-2, 6-3

Number three seed Andy Murray faced Igor Kunitsyn in the first round. The Scot broke the Russian qualifier's first service game for a 2-0 lead. Murray broke again in the eighth game to take the first set 6-2, but Kunitsyn registered a break of his own at the start of the second set. But Murray broke right back and held serve for a 5-2 lead after his second break of the set in the sixth game.Kunitsyn had a break point in the ninth game, but Murray saved it before sealing a 6-2, 6-3 victory.

Baghdatis triumphs 7-6, 6-4

Marcos Baghdatis faced eighth seed Gilles Simon. The Cypriot received medical treatment for a stomach upset during the first set, but turned up the heat during a first set tiebreak. Baghdadits closed it out at 7-3 to take charge of the match. Then he raced to a 3-0 second set lead. Simon fought back to level the set at 4-4, but that was as close as it would get. Baghdatis wins it 7-6, 6-4.