Rusedski back to winning ways

Rusedski on his way to victory

Greg Rusedski beat Wayne Ferreira 7-5 6-4

Greg Rusedski got back to his winning ways with a convincing first round Stella Artois tournament victory over former champion Wayne Ferreira.

The British number two looked a lot more confident at Queen's Club, back on his favoured grass surface, and beat the tough opponent 7-5 6-2.

Rusedski had started brightly but it was Ferreira who broke in the first set.

Ferreira, a winner in 1992 and runner-up the following year, broke in the seventh game to lead 4-3 and served for the set at 5-4.

I have been trying to stay positive and take one match at a time

Greg Rusedski

However he put a poor backhand into the net and a return winner from Rusedski levelled the scores.

Rusedski, the ninth seed, then held serve before breaking Ferreira again as his opponent missed a straightforward forehand, slamming his racket into the turf in anger.

Rusedski then won his third game in a row to take the first set.

It was going with serve in the second set with Rusedski's big serve coming more and more into play.

Serving at 4-5 down the South African saved one set point before an excellent return from Rusedski to his opponent's feet sealed the win 7-5 6-4 in 67 minutes.

Afterwards, Rusdeski said: "It was tough conditions. The wind was swirling around. We were both having trouble with our serves.

"I have been trying to stay positive and take one match at a time."

Rusedski admitted he would play on clay again, despite vowing never again after his first round French Open defeat.

He said: "I was extremely distressed. It was one of those days. I was totally frustrated and said something I didn't mean."