Pospisil beats Giraldo in first round of the Valencia Open

VALENCIA, Spain — Vasek Pospisil advanced to the second round of the Valenica Open following a 6-4, 6-3 win over Santiago Giraldo on Monday (early Tuesday in Manila).

Canadian Pospisil had won all three of his previous matches against the Colombian.

Extending that record proved straightforward, as Pospisil used his big serve and powerful forehand to good effect.

"I played pretty well overall and did a good job despite a few nerves at the end. I came up with some good points and great shots and that was the key to the match," Pospisil said.

The 25-year-old Pospisil held his serve to love in his opening three service games before breaking Giraldo in the tenth game for the opening set.

Although the South American offered a stern resistance in the second, saving four break points in a marathon ten minute sixth game, Pospisil eventually served out the match.

He next faces Jeremy Chardy of France or Britain's Aljaz Bedene.