Marcos Baghdatis through in Open Sud de France

Eighth seed Marcos Baghdatis is through to the second round of the Open Sud de France after beating Lukas Lacko in straight sets on Monday.

Cypriot Baghdatis, who was given a wildcard for the indoor hard court event in Montpellier, saw off the world number 44 7-5 7-5 in the first match of the night session.

Baghdatis took half of the eight break-point opportunities in his first-round encounter as he attempts to put the disappointment of falling at the first hurdle in the Australian Open behind him.

The 30-year-old recovered from going a break down at 3-1 in the first set and was far more assured on serve in the second to prevent another early exit.

Teenager Alexander Zverev was beaten by eventual Australian Open runner-up Andy Murray in Melbourne and responded with a defeat of Luca Vanni to make it through to the last 16.

It was by no means all plain sailing for the 18-year-old German, though, as he lost the first set but recovered to win 6-7 (3-7) 6-4 7-5.

Vanni earned eight break points, but won only one of them and paid the price as three breaks for Zverev were enough to progress.

Taro Daniel beat Denis Istomin 6-2 6-2 in the final match on the opening day of the tournament.