Aug. 29, 2006

NEW YORK - Former Baylor tennis star Benjamin Becker advanced to the second round of the U.S. Open when he posted a four set win over Italy's Filippo Volandri at the National Tennis Center in Flushing Meadows on Monday.

Volandri, currently ranked No. 53, took the first set 6-4 before the 112th-ranked Becker won the second set in a tiebreaker 7-6(3). Becker continued his winning ways taking the third set 6-4. The former Bear then sprinted out to a 4-0 lead in the fourth set and seemingly had the match in hand. However, Volandri knuckled under and won five straight games to move ahead 5-4. Eventually, the match was tied 6-6 forcing another tiebreaker. Volandri took a 1-0 lead before Becker won four straight points before posting a 7-3 win to take the match.

Becker will play the winner of the Thomas Johansson (SWE)/Sebastien Grosjean (FRA) match. Johansson is currently ranked No. 40 while the 30th-seeded Grosjean is ranked No. 36.

U.S. Open
First Round
Benjamin Becker (GER) def. Filippo Volandri (ITA) 4-6, 7-6(3), 6-4, 7-6(3)