Australian out of Atlanta Championships

Robby Ginepri posted a 7-6 (7-4)  6-2 hometown debut win on Tuesday, defeating Australian qualifier Nick Lindahl to move into the second round of the Atlanta Tennis Championships.

The event, returned to circulation after a nine-year pause, came back to life after the American federation bought the ATP sanction of the ill-starred former tournament in Indianapolis, a venue where Ginepri won two editions - including the last in 2009.

While he's a seasoned campaigner, the 27-year-old Ginepri confessed to an uncharacteristic case of pre-match nerves during the run-up.

``It felt a little bit like the days before the start of a Grand Slam,'' said the player with up to 20 friends and family in the stands for his victory.

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Australian Nick Lindahl rips a backhand to Finland's Jarkko Nieminen during their first round match. Picture: Michael Klein

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• Results: Atlanta Championships, round 1

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``I had some anxiety in practise which I usually don't have.

``I recognised it and got through it. When you step onto the court most of the worries go away.''

Ginepri said he started to feel more comfortable after getting a break back for three-all in the tight opening set with Lindahl, Swedish-born but now an Australian and ranked a distant 244.

The 75th-ranked Ginepri finished with eight aces, breaking four times in the 82-minute contest.

Ginepri will next face American compatriot friend Mardy Fish, Queen's club finalist and winner of grass this month in Newport.

``It will be tough as we know each other's game inside and out. He's got a big serve and he's playing as well as I've seen him play for some time.''

Belgian seventh seed Xavier Malisse, who turned 30 on Monday, defeated American Ryan Sweeting 7-6 (7-1) 6-3 with the loser firing eight aces.