Kuala Lumpur - Swede Joachim Johansson showed he is serious about a comeback to tennis from long-running elbow problems as he toppled former number one Lleyton Hewitt in the opening round of the Malaysian Open 7-6 (9-7), 6-3 Tuesday. The match-up left the Scandinavian with a 2-0 record in the series against Hewitt, the current ATP number 26 who is keen to lift to earn an Australian Open seeding next January.
Johansson, who once set an ace record, was held to 11 untouchable serves, the same as Hewitt, seeded eighth.
The 446th-ranked winner managed to go through into the second round saving all 11 points he faced from the 2009 Wimbledon quarter-finalist.
Johansson last played on the ATP almost a year ago at home in Stockholm as shoulder problems continued to plague his once-promising career. He won through in one hour 20 minutes.
The loss left Hewitt on 30-18 this comeback season.
Czech sixth seed Tomas Berdych raced away to a fast start but had to re-establish control to post a 6-1, 3-6, 6-2 first-round win over Russian Igor Kunitsyn.
Russian Mikhail Youzhny spoiled the start of Spain's seventh seed David Ferrer 7-6 (7-3), 6-2. Youzhny, 27, is looking for his quarter-final in three months.
Berdych, who led his nation into December's Davis Cup final against Spain as he clinched a five-set win over Croatia's Marin Cilic, needed 1 hour, 53 minutes to advance at the Putra stadium.
He broke five times while losing serve twice to the 46th-ranked challenger who beat him five years ago in Moscow and turns 28 on Wednesday.
Berdych lost 18 points in his first set against Kunitsy and broke on five of nine opportunities.
Victory for 16th-ranked Berdych was his 29th of the season against 20 losses. He has claimed one title in 2009, winning Munich on clay.
Argentine Martin Vassallo Arguello further dimmed Iberian hopes as he defeated Feliciano Lopez 6-3, 6-3.
Indian qualifier Rohan Bopanna put out Argentine Jose Acasuso in a 4-6, 6-3, 6-4 comeback.
