US Open champion Pat Rafter, trying to kickstart his sluggish season, rallied to finish off a two-set victory over fellow Australian Andrew Ilie at the Lipton Championships yesterday.
Rafter has won only four of nine matches this season and he lost three of his last four. He saved two set points yesterday in erasing a 5-3 second-set deficit en route to a 6-3, 7-5 victory.
Greg Rusedski parlayed one service break per set into a 6-4, 6-4 victory over Romanian Adrian Voinea, while seventh-seeded Richard Krajicek of the Netherlands dispatched compatriot Sjeng Schalken 6-1, 4-6, 6-1.
Rusedski said: "I didn't serve as well as I can early on but then the rhythm came along nicely."
British number one Tim Henman joined Rusedski in the third round after battling back to beat American Cecil Mamiit 3-6 6-3 6-2.
In women's play, third-seeded American Monica Seles launched her bid for a third Lipton title with a 6-3, 7-5 second-round victory over compatriot Brie Rippner.
