Ernests Gulbis battles past David Goffin

Ernests Gulbis has booked his spot in the third round of the Mexican Open with a 6-1 3-6 7-6 victory over David Goffin.

Gulbis started the contest in fine form and his accurate serving was soon causing a problem for Goffin, who was also regularly tested on his own serve.

The Latvian needed just over half-an-hour to secure the first set 6-1 and at that point it looked like the crowd would witness a one-sided encounter.

However, Goffin hit back in a thrilling second set in which both players proved to be a threat on their opponent's serve.

Goffin held his nerve long enough to claim a 6-3 triumph in the second set and force the match into a decider.

The Belgian looked more likely to steal the advantage in the third set, with Gulbis being forced to save six break points.

Gulbis had the opportunity to earn the victory at 5-6, but he failed to convert a match point as Goffin forced the meeting into a tie-break.

It was the seventh seed who recorded the win in the decider as he took advantage of one final Goffin error to claim a 7-5 success in the tie-break and secure his progress into the next round.