MADRID, Oct. 15 (UPI) -- Playing his first ATP match since winning the U.S. Open, Andy Roddick defeated Max Mirnyi Wednesday at the Tennis Masters Madrid.
Roddick got past Mirnyi, 6-1, 6-7 (9-11), 7-5, after receiving a first-round bye.
Locked in a battle with Juan Carlos Ferrero and Roger Federer for the tour's top spot this season, Roddick needed 21 aces and 60 winners to get the job done in two hours.
Ferrero rallied from 2-5 deficit in the third set to defeat Wayne Ferreira, 6-3, 2-6, 7-6 (7-4). Ferreira had two match points in the third.
After winning Vienna last week, Federer is tied with Roddick for the ATP lead in titles with six. He defeated Spain's Alex Corretja, 6-4, 6-3, for his sixth straight match victory.
Robby Ginepri and Mardy Fish also advanced to the third round.
