Australian Open: Berdych eases past Russell

Melbourne: Tomas Berdych of the Czech Republic has defeated American Michael Russell 6-3, 7-5, 6-3 to advance to the second round of the Australian Open.

The No. 5-seeded Berdych made only half of his first serves on Monday, but took advantage of 42 unforced errors from Russell to break the American six times.

Berdych, the 2010 Wimbledon finalist, has reached the quarterfinals in Melbourne the past two years, but has never advanced beyond that stage.

The No. 5-seeded Berdych made only half of his first serves on Monday, but took advantage of 42 unforced errors.

The 34-year-old Russell was the third-oldest man in the men's singles draw after Ruben Ramirez Hidalgo and Tommy Haas.

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