UMAG, Croatia — Fifth-seeded Fabio Fognini beat Jiry Vesely 6-4, 6-4 on Monday to reach the second round of the Croatia Open.
Fognini, a finalist in 2013, broke at the start of both sets and played very aggressively on his Czech opponent's second serve — winning 67 percent, or 18 out of 27 points.
The Italian improved his record at the event to 14-7, despite heavy conditions on a very hot and humid day.
Aljaz Bedne of Britain also advanced after defeating Mate Delic of Croatia 6-4, 6-3.
Delic delivered only 39 percent of his first serves in the opening set and his problems with serve continued in the second as Bedene broke for a 3-1 lead before sealing victory.