MASON - August 15, 2006 - Andy Roddick survived a first-round thriller Tuesday afternoon at the Western & Southern Financial Group Masters.

Andy Roddick was on the verge of an early exit from the Western & Southern Financial Group Masters before clawing his way back to post a narrow 6-7(6), 7-6(4), 7-6(5) victory over Daniele Bracciali, who was making his Cincinnati debut.

Roddick, who is coming back from a left side injury he suffered in Los Angeles, needed 2 hours and 34 minutes to secure his 19th career win in Cincinnati. The 2003 champion here (d. Fish), Roddick blasted 22 aces, compared to 19 for Bracciali, and saved the only two break points he faced during the match in which both players called for a trainer.

“When you haven't played for three weeks or so, it's just tough getting into the flow of a match a little bit, especially against a guy who gives you pretty much no rhythm,” said Roddick, the No.9 seed. “What I accomplished today is I just gave myself a chance to play better tomorrow.

“I like the conditions. The fans, they helped pull me through today again. They're real good to me here. I feel comfortable here. Sometimes my family comes down to this tournament. It's just nice. It's a very comfortable place for me.”

Next up for Roddick is Kristof Vliegen of Belgium. In their only previous meeting, Roddick down Vliegen 6-2, 6-3 in 2004 at San Jose.

Top seed Roger Federer rolled into the second round by defeating Thai star Paradorn Srichaphan 7-5, 6-4 Tuesday evening. The World No.1 found himself down a break in each of the sets, but succeeded in pulling together

"I had a bad feeling when I was down in that first set. I thought this match could be over in a hurry - the other way," said Federer. "I've been struggling here in Cincinnati over the years, except last year. He was really playing well, and I couldn't get into the rallies really. The points were over before I knew it.

"So to come out, it's a great result. In the end I played good tennis. I'm a bit surprised, actually, that it was that straightforward in the end - the straight sets."

The Swiss is aiming to claim his 12th ATP Masters Series shield, surpassing Pete Sampras for second place all-time. Federer, the Cincinnati defending champion, won his 55th consecutive match in North America.

Federer next plays British No.1 Andy Murray who defeated countryman Tim Henman earlier in the day. It will be the second match up between Federer and Murray, with Federer capturing the victory in the Bangkok final last year.

Federer’s opponent in the Toronto final last week, Richard Gasquet, couldn’t keep the momentum going as he fell in the first round to No.7 seed Tommy Robredo 7-5, 7-5. Robredo broke Gasquet two times in four attempts and saved the only two break points he faced. Robredo, an ATP Masters Series winner at Hamburg this year, will next take on Max Mirnyi.

Fernando Gonzalez, the No.13 seed, downed fellow Chilean and pal Nicolas Massu 6-4, 6-4. The win marks Gonzalez’s third win over Massu, but the first since playing on their home soil in Vina del Mar in 2004. Gonzalez faces American wild card and 2003 Cincinnati finalist Mardy Fish in the second round.