Safin moves through in Milan

Safin moved into the second round

Top seed Marat Safin overcame David Prinosil in straight sets in the Milan Indoor ATP tournament but struggled to close out the game.

The 21-year-old Russian finally beat the German 6-4 7-5 but wasted five set points on his own serve in the 10th game of the second set.

He responded by breaking Prinosil's serve in the next game and then served out the match.

Safin now meets Belgian qualifier Xavier Malisse in the second round.

"It's important to win the first match, to improve confidence," said Safin. "I'm glad to be here, in a country I love for history, fashion, food and fast cars."

Switzerland's Ivo Heuberger defeated Czech Slava Dosedel 6-2 7-6, while Davide Sanguinetti's exit ended the Italian interest in the tournament.

Sanguinetti was beaten 7-6 6-4 by French qualifier Cyril Saulnier.

In an early second round match American Jan-Michael Gambill defeated Spanish veteran Sergi Bruguera 6-3 7-5.