Dominic Thiem earned his first victory of the season, breaking a dry spell dating to last October with a move into the second round at the ATP Buenos Aires event.
The former US Open champion who has battled for fitness more than 18 months after a 2021 wrist injury, defeated seventh seed Alex Molcan 7-6(4), 6-3.
Former No. 3 Thiem earned the long-sought victory in his fifth attempt of the season after losses at the Australian Open, Davis Cup and Adelaide.
“It was a good match,” the 2016 trophy holder here said. “I like it a lot here in Buenos Aires. Already the last days in practice I was feeling well.
“I won my first match of the season against a very good opponent. I stayed focussed throughout the whole match, as well in the difficult moments.
“I’m happy and I’m trying to focus fully on the second round now.”
Thiem has enjoyed past success in the Argentine capital and improved his record at the event to 12-1.
