Ferrer strolls into Monte Carlo second round

MONTE CARLO, Apr 16 (Reuters) Spaniard David Ferrer strolled into the second round of the Monte Carlo Masters with a 6-3 6-1 victory over Frenchman Gilles Simon today.

The 12th seed had too much claycourt experience for Simon and wrapped up the easy win on his first match point in 68 minutes.

The world number 16 now meets another Frenchman, Julien Benneteau, who reached the French Open quarter-finals last year.

Ferrer, who won the Auckland Open in January, took the opening set in 41 minutes after converting two of his seven break opportunities.

The second set was a relative walkover for the Spaniard, who charged into a 4-0 advantage and was never troubled thereafter.

''I felt really good from the start, which explains why the win was wrapped up quickly,'' Ferrer said in a courtside interview.

Later today, world number one Roger Federer starts his claycourt season with a second round meeting against Italian Andreas Seppi.

However, eighth seeded Briton Andy Murray is doubtful for his second round match against Frenchman Marc Gicquel after retiring from yesterday's doubles with back spasms.

REUTERS AKD DS1556