Two-time champion Tommy Robredo takes on Brazil's Joao Souza for a place in the quarter-finals of the Swedish Open.
Robredo only recently returned to action after a lengthy injury related layoff which has seen him plummet to number 199 in the world rankings. The former world number five has found himself playing challenger events but on Monday he enjoyed his first ATP main tour win over the season, producing a typically solid display to defeat eighth seed Adrian Ungur 6-4, 6-2.
It was a superb serving performance from Robredo who won 81% of the points behind his first serve and if he can get past Souza in the second round, he could face long-time rival David Ferrer in the quarters, an intriguing possibility.
Robredo has been a regular visitor to Bastad over the years, winning the title in 2006 and 2008 when he was at his peak on the tour. The Swedish Open has consistently picked up accolades as one of the best ATP 250 events on the circuit from the players' perspective and on Monday, Robredo presented the event organisers with the 2011 ATP 250 tournament of the year prize.
"For us players when we are travelling all the year round, and when we go to one place and we feel at home it means that you deserve the trophy," Robredo told them, "so that’s why I’m voting for this tournament and a lot of my friends are voting this tournament."
Souza claimed his sixth ATP win of the season on Tuesday, winning the all-South American first round clash against Horacio Zeballos 6-4, 6-2.
Prediction: Robredo in two.
