Tennis: Bellucci advances in three set thriller

Thomaz Bellucci. Photo / Getty Images

Seventh seed Thomaz Bellucci has reached the second round of the Heineken Open after a three set marathon.

The Brazilian beat American Michael Russell 6-4 6-7(4) 7-5 in the opening match on centre court today.

Bellucci locked up the match 10 minutes short of the three hour mark. He will play the world number 50 Tommy Robredo in the second round.

Elsewhere Romania's Victor Hanescu booked a matchup against Nicolas Almagro in the second round after beating Kevin Anderson of South Africa 7-6(7) 6-7(3) 6-4.

Eighth seed Juan Monaco is due up next on centre court playing French qualifier Adrian Mannarino.

Argentinean sixth seed David Nalbandian is also in action later today.

- Herald online