Volandri beats Robredo to put Italy 1-0 up against Spain

SANTANDER, Spain, Sep 22 (Reuters) Filippo Volandri put Italy 1-0 up against Spain in their Davis Cup World Group playoff today, beating world number seven Tommy Robredo 6-3 7-5 6-3 in Santander.

Volandri, ranked 31 places below his opponent, looked sharper throughout and was quicker into his stride holding on to an early break to take the first set in blustery conditions.

The players twice traded breaks during the second before the 25-year-old Italian broke Robredo once again to serve out.

Robredo has a poor record in Davis Cup, with seven defeats from 10 before today, and his head dropped after losing an early break in the third.

The second singles rubber sees Spanish world number two Rafael Nadal take on Andreas Seppi.

Italy have a 7-5 lead over Spain in Davis Cup but lost 3-2 at the same stage, last September.

REUTERS PM PM1817