AS.com

David Ferrer, fourth seed at the Australian Open and leader of the 'Armada' of Spanish players at the Grand Slam in Melbourne, continued on his good run of form today to beat the Belgian Olivier Rochus 6-3, 6-4, 6-2 in his debut. He went through with relative ease, in just over an hour and a half.

In his eleventh Australian Open, and two years after reaching the semi-final, Ferrer will face the American Tim Smyczek in the second round after he won out against Ivo Karlovic 6-4, 7-6(5), 7-5.

The Madrileño Fernando Verdasco had to stuggle a bit more to ensure his progression against the young Belgian David Goffin, who he eventually came back against to win 6-3, 3-6, 4-6, 6-3, 6-4. The fourth set saw the balance swing in the Verdasco's favour as he regained a better first serve percentage and more accuracy on break points.

The Spaniard quickly built up an advantage over the Belgian in the deciding set, and went on to win with some strong first serves.

Feliciano López had fewer difficulties in resolving his first round match at Melbourne Park, defeating Arnau Brugés Davi, a qualifier, 6-3, 6-2, 6-4.

Albert Ramos, meanwhile went down after a battle of four hours and 15 minutes with the Cypriot Marcos Baghdatis which ended 6-7(0), 7-6(4), 6-4, 3-6, 6-3.

Anabel Medina out

The first Spanish disappointment came as Anabel Medina Garrigues lost against France's Marion Bartoli, eleventh favourite, by a clear 6-2, 6-4.