 Novak lost in the first round at Wimbledon |
Jiri Novak began the defence of his Swiss Open title with a 6-3 6-3 victory over Argentine Jose Acasuso. The fourth-seeded Czech is aiming for a third title in Gstaad having won the clay-court event in 2001 and 2003.
The last player to defeat him in Gstaad, Spain's Albert Costa, beat Czech Bohdan Ulihrach 6-4 7-6.
The event will see the instant return to action of Wimbledon champion Roger Federer, who starts against German Thomas Behrend at his home tournament.
Federer lost in the final to Novak last year in the high-altitude Alpine village, again after arriving straight from a victory at Wimbledon.
The 22-year-old Swiss was due to arrive on a private jet from London, touching down at the grass airstrip at nearby Saanen - more frequently used by Formula One supremo Bernie Ecccleston on his visits to the town where he owns a hotel.
Also competing in Gstaad this week are Spaniard Juan Carlos Ferrero, seeded two, and third seed Rainer Schuettler.
MMIX
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