Nieminen advances at Stockholm Open

Stockholm:

Jarkko Nieminen beat Tobias Kamke of Germany 6-1, 6-2 on Monday in the first round of the Stockholm Open.

Nieminen, a finalist last year, was never broken by the German, who was making his ATP tour debut at the Royal Tennis Hall.

"He probably was nervous," Nieminen said. "I talked with some other players about him and they talked more positively about him than he showed on court today."

Albert Montanes of Spain also won, beating Rohan Bopanna of India 7-6 (3), 6-1. Swedish qualifier Filip Prpic defeated Oscar Hernandez of Spain 6-2, 7-6 (4).

The sixth-seeded Nieminen broke Kamke three times on the fast hard court in the opening set, including at love in the last game.

"A win is always a win and always gives you confidence," said Nieminen, who also reached the 2001 Stockholm Open final. "I could not ask for something else from a first round match. I'm happy with conceding only one point with serve in first set."

Kamke played two qualifying matches to get into the main draw.

On Tuesday, two-time defending champion James Blake will face Swedish veteran Jonas Bjorkman. The American is unbeaten (10-0) in the Swedish capital.

The Stockholm Open, being played for the 39th year, is one of the oldest indoor tournaments on the ATP Tour.