Fernando Verdasco progresses in Monte Carlo

Spain's Fernando Verdasco overturned a one-set deficit to advance through to round two of the Monte Carlo Masters this afternoon.

The Madrid-based player lost the opening set to Olivier Rochus, who capitalised on a number mistakes from Verdasco to serve out 6-4.

However, Verdasco responded positively and broke twice in the next set to level up the match with a 6-2 success.

Both players traded service games as the score went to five game apiece in the decider.

Verdasco then held his serve to make it 6-5, before breaking Rochus's service game for the first time to secure his passage into the next round.