KEY POINTS:
Top seed David Ferrer has eased into the second round of the Heineken Open men's tennis tournament in Auckland.
The world number five looked close to his best form as he defeated fellow Spaniard Oscar Hernandez 6-1 6-2.
Ferrer, the defending champion, said he was pleased with his form, especially his serve.
He will play Sergio Roitman of Argentina in the second round later today.
Fourth seed Juan Carlos Ferrero also advanced to the second round, defeating American Jesse Levine 6-4 6-1. He will play Jurgen Melzer of Austria in the second round.
Other first round winners today were Michael Llodra of France and Marin Cilic of Croatia.
Former champion Jarkko Nieminen of Finland became the first seed to be knocked out in Auckland. The 2006 champion, seeded fifth, lost his first round match 7-6 6-3 to Xavier Malisse of Belgium.
- NZPA
