Albert Ramos-Viñolas was coming off perhaps the biggest win of his career — a 7-6(4), 2-6, 6-3 upset of Roger Federer in Shanghai. But there would be no upset bid on Tuesday against fellow Spaniard David Ferrer, who overcame a slow start against his No. 9-seeded foe to prevail 1-6, 6-3, 6-4 at the Erste Bank Open in Vienna.

Despite landing just 53 per cent of his first serves, Ferrer converted three of four break-point opportunities to reach the second round in one hour and 52 minutes. He improved to 5-0 lifetime against Ramos-Viñolas in FedEx ATP Head2Head matchups.

Third seed John Isner scraped into the second round by striking 16 aces past qualifier Kenny de Schepper in a 7-6(4), 7-6(5) win. Isner, who is currently No. 12 in the Emirates ATP Race To London, could not convert a match point on de Schepper’s serve at 4-5, 30-40 in the second set, but was able to hold his nerve in the tie-break to wrap up victory in one hour and 43 minutes. He will now face Ernests Gulbis.

“In a way, he’s like a left-handed version of me,” said Isner. “I thought he served very well. He served a high percentage. The match came down to a few points, which I was able to win. I’m happy with my performance.”

Sergiy Stakhovsky brushed past qualifier Jan-Lennard Struff 6-4, 6-4 and now challenges seventh seed Ivo Karlovic, who has struck more aces than any other player since the ATP World Tour started keeping records in 1991. Paolo Lorenzi withstood 16 aces from Rajeev Ram‘s racquet to triumph 6-7(4), 6-1, 6-4.

Frenchman Gael Monfils rallied from a set down to oust Brazilian Thomaz Bellucci 6-7(5), 6-3, 6-4, saving six of eight break points and totaling nine aces.

Peya/Soares Begin Quest

Alexander Peya and Bruno Soares, who are battling to qualify for the Barclays ATP World Tour Finals at No. 10 in the Emirates ATP Doubles Race To London, defeated Austrian wild cards Andreas Haider-Maurer and Oliver Marach 6-4, 6-3 for a place in the quarter-finals.