Clement claims popular victory

Originally published on: 26/02/10 12:19

The Russian won the first set in typically erratic fashion, saving five break points in the process.

But Clement got steadily better as Safin got steadily worse and the Frenchman claimed a 4-6 6-3 6-2 win.

Second seed Gilles Simon was pushed hard by 17-year-old Grigor Dimitrov before claiming a 4-6 6-3 7-5 success.

The Wimbledon boys’ champion looked on for a shock win after claiming the first set but Simon made his experience count.

Another Frenchman, Julien Benneteau, made it through with a 4-6 6-4 6-2 win over compatriot Fabrice Santoro.

Italian Simone Bolelli won a pair of tie-breaks to see off British number five Richard Bloomfield 7-6 (7/5) 7-6 (7/1).

Bloomfield did not face a single break point in the match but was second best in the breakers.

There were also wins for Andreas Seppi, Mischa Zverev and Rainer Schuettler.