AUCKLAND, New Zealand, Jan. 13 (UPI) -- Gustavo Kuerten Tuesday continued his success against Alex Corretja at the Heineken Open in New Zealand.
The third-seeded Brazilian outlasted Corretja 6-7 (7-9), 7-6 (7-3), 7-5 in the first round at the $404,000 hardcourt tennis tournament. He has won seven in a row against his Spanish rival.
"I think the first matches are always a little tricky," said Kuerten, the defending champion. "You're not feeling comfortable, you still have little doubts. And especially when you play a guy like Corretja who runs on every shot and never gives up and has a lot of experience."
After reaching the semifinals at Chennai last week, fourth seed Sjeng Schalken of the Netherlands was eliminated by Spanish teenager Rafael Nadal 7-6 (7-2), 6-4. Nadal, 17, lost in the first round at Chennai, but teamed with Tommy Robredo to win the doubles crown.
