Berdych advances after early struggle at Aus Open

Tomas Berdych was forced to battle early before breezing past Yuki Bhambri at the Australian Open.

The Czech coughed up a break in the first set at Melbourne Park, but was untroubled after that on his way to a 7-5 6-1 6-2 win on Margaret Court Arena.

Berdych, the sixth seed at the year's first grand slam, had eased to a 3-0 lead before being pegged back by his Indian opponent - a former junior champion at the event.

But Bhambri faltered in the 12th game as Berdych took the first set, setting up his first-round win.

Berdych had no problems from then on as he capitalised on Bhambri's errors to advance.

The powerful Berdych has an impressive record at the Australian Open, having reached at least the quarter-finals in his past five appearances.

STATISTICAL BREAKDOWN

Berdych [6] bt Bhambri 7-5 6-1 6-2

ACES

Berdych - 13

Bhambri - 2

WINNERS/UNFORCED ERRORS

Berdych - 35/18

Bhambri - 16/30

BREAK POINTS WON

Berdych - 6/8

Bhambri - 1/3

FIRST SERVE PERCENTAGE

Berdych - 51

Bhambri - 56

PERCENTAGE OF POINTS WON ON FIRST/SECOND SERVE

Berdych - 90/55

Bhambri - 57/47

TOTAL POINTS

Berdych - 93

Bhambri - 62