Tomas Berdych.net

Tomas Berdych Berdych books into Paris Bercy second round

Tomas Berdych, who won the BNP Paribas Masters in 2005 for his lone Masters 1000 title, defeated French qualifier Vincent Millot, 6-3, 7-4 (4), in first-round action Monday.

Berdych's year, which has consisted of winning his fifth career title in Munich (d. Youzhny), has produced a 36-24 record (including today's win) while retaining a top 20 ranking for the fourth straight season. (Berdych last ended the year ranked outside the top 20 in 2005, when he finished No. 24.)

Millot, who is currently ranked No. 247 in the world, squandered a 5-2 lead in the second set, allowing Berdych to brake back and use his potent serve to finish off the match in straight sets. Berdych struck an ace on his first match point, improving to 12-3 lifetime at the indoor French event.

Berdych will next face No. 14 seed Tommy Robredo in second round action. The top 16 seeds in the event received first round byes.