Monte Carlo Site
April 11-12, 2005
Two time Monte Carlo champion Juan Carlos Ferrero took his first steps toward a third title with a 6-4, 6-1 win over Croat Ivo Karlovic. The Spaniard only needed 53 minutes to book his spot in the second round.
Spanish sensation Rafael Nadal continued with his recent success taking out another up and coming teenager, Gael Monfils of France. Nadal had a 69% first serve percentage in his 6-3, 6-2 victory.
Gaston Gaudio converted 5 of 11 break point opportunities to defeat qualifier Christophe Rochus of Belgium 7-6(3), 6-2.
Felix Mantilla provided the upset of the day knocking out No. 7 seed Joachim Johansson in a 2-6, 6-3, 6-2 battle. Both players dropped in four double faults, but it was Mantilla who was able to take advantage of all five break opportunities the Swede provided in order to advance.
Defending champion Guillermo Coria wasted no time booking his spot in the second round taking out wild card Paul-Henri Mathieu. Coria converted six of seven break opportunities to close out the 6-2, 7-5 victory.
Other seeds advancing include No. 15 seed Radek Stepanek and No. 16 seed Jiri Novak.
Nadal's Autograph Session at the Monte-Carlo Country Club Village
There was an autograph session for Rafael Nadal's fans at the BNP-Paribas stand. The young wonder's crowd was happy to receive a lot of BNP-Paribas T-shirts signed by their idol.
On Wednesday, the tournament sponsor, BNP-Paribas, will welcome another player. The last autograph session is on Wednesday afternoon at the BNP-Paribas stand.
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