Rusedski powers into second round

Briton Greg Rusedski powered his way into the second round at Wimbledon on Monday with a 6-3 4-6 6-2 6-1 victory over Spaniard Alberto Martin.

Briton Greg Rusedski powered his way into the second round at Wimbledon on Monday with a workmanlike 6-3 4-6 6-2 6-1 victory over Spaniard Alberto Martin.

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The win left the left-hander convinced he could make it into the second week at Wimbledon - as long as he can get past Sweden's number 11 seed Joachim Johansson in the next round.

Rusedski, who has reached the fourth round four times at the All England Club, looked well in control when taking an early first set lead.

But the dogged Spaniard fought his way back into the match and by sheer determination, and an exquisitely placed lob, deservedly won the second set.

But then Rusedski, appearing in his 13th Wimbledon in a row, really sent the aces booming down to take control of the match.

He was delighted with his serve in the last two sets and now believes he could be peaking at just the right time, although he was the first to concede that Johansson could be a tough opponent.

"If I can get through that one," he said. "I think I've got a good chance to go a long way and maybe get into the second week this year."

Rusedski will be remembered at Wimbledon for his swearing in his 2003 match with Andy Roddick as for his booming serve.

But this time he was on his best behaviour, only angry with himself for a momentary lapse of concentration in the second set.

At 31, he was in reflective mood about his style of play in this era of power tennis but he was not quite ready to declare the death of the serve-and-volleyer.

"Sampras won it for seven years serving and volleying and he did pretty well," he said. "It's just the way things change...it's just different."

He could not possibly alter his game at this stage of his career.

"If I stay on the baseline, I might as well find another job because I mean that is the way I play," he said. I can mix it up and stay back but I am not going to win against the top guys playing that game. From the baseline, if you are playing a Roger Federer or a Lleyton Hewitt, players like that, you are going to finish second best."

Now all eyes are on British teenager Andrew Murray.

Rusedski begged the press not to pressure the Scot and laden him down with too much expectation and had some advice for the 18-year-old.

"Put your head down, work hard and don't worry about things," he said.