Ljubicic rallies to advance at Hamburg Masters

HAMBURG, Germany (AP) -- Ivan Ljubicic was two points from losing the match when he rallied to beat Steve Darcis 6-7 (6), 7-5, 7-6 (4) in a rare Sunday start for the clay-court Hamburg Masters.

In other first-round matches, Ivo Karlovic edged Mischa Zverev 7-6 (4), 7-6 (3) and Gilles Simon defeated Xavier Malisse 6-4, 7-5.

Two-time Grand Slam tournament winner Marat Safin qualified for the main draw when he beat Evgeny Korolev 6-4, 4-6, 7-6 (5).

Top-ranked Roger Federer is the defending champion, with a victory over Rafael Nadal in last year's final.

Copyright 2008 Associated Press. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.