Melzer Falls to Jones; Lacko Ousts Lorenzi

© Getty ImagesLukas Lacko served ten aces in his win over Paolo Lorenzi in Auckland

World No. 63 Santiago Giraldo posted his first victory of the year in the first round of the Heineken Open, defeating Japan's Go Soeda 6-1, 6-0 in under 41 minutes on Tuesday in Auckland.

The Colombian didn't face a break point and made 81 per cent of his first serves against Soeda, who had won both their previous meetings on the ATP Challenger Tour. In the second round, Giraldo faces Belgium's Xavier Malisse, who is is one place higher than him in the Emirates ATP Rankings. The pair have an FedEx ATP Head2Head record of 1-1, though both matches were played in 2010.

Giraldo's countryman Alejandro Falla advanced after Grega Zemlja retired with a virus trailing 4-6, 1-3.

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Slovakian Lukas Lacko booked a second-round clash against eighth seed Thomaz Bellucci by dispatching Paolo Lorenzi 6-3, 6-3 in the duo's first encounter. The 25 year old saved all three break points and served ten aces against his Italian opponent. Lacko took three sets to defeat Bellucci when they last met at New Haven in August 2010.

Qualifiers Greg Jones and Igor Sijsling both posted surprise wins, as the Australian Jones eliminated sixth seed Jurgen Melzer 7-6(7), 6-2.

World No. 373 Jones served 11 aces and saved all three break points he faced to set up a second-round meeting with Gael Monfils.

"I played pretty aggressive, I come to the net a fair bit, so when I play well it’s difficult for my opponent, I put them in an uncomfortable position," said Jones. "I was fortunate that he hasn’t seen me play a lot, but I’ve seen him play a lot on TV and throughout all the slams, so I have a huge amount of respect for him. I was lucky that I was on my game and I think the wind may have helped me a little bit too."

Sijsling triumphed 3-6, 6-3, 7-5 in a battle against compatriot Robin Haase.  The No. 70 Dutchman placed 14 aces and won 75 per cent of points on his first serve. In the second round, the right-hander faces third seeded German Tommy Haas who had a first-round bye.

Canadian qualifier Jesse Levine scored a 6-2, 6-2 win over local wild card Daniel King-Turner to set-up a first-time clash with American Brian Baker.