Ljubicic grinds past Lopez

LONDON, June 28 (Reuters) World number four Ivan Ljubicic had to battle for over four hours before defeating Spaniard Feliciano Lopez 6-3 6-4 5-7 3-6 11-9 in the first round at Wimbledon today.

In an engrossing match of contrasting fortunes, Croatia's Davis Cup hero finally won the day with his booming serve against Lopez, an elegant serve and volleyer who refused to give up at two sets down.

Lopez, the victor in all four five-setters he had played at WimbIedon before, saved seven match points in the deciding set before finally succumbing with a tame double fault to Ljubicic, the fifth seed.

For the shaven-headed Croatian, it was his second grand slam victory over Lopez, whom he beat at the Australian Open in January.

Reuters SHR VV2134