VALENCIA, Spain — Marat Safin advanced to the second round of the Valencia Open today by defeating 2003 champion Juan Carlos Ferrero 6-3, 5-7, 6-4.

Safin, who has struggled recently and needed a wild card to get into the tournament, broke the serve of the 19th-ranked Ferrero in each set while saving four break points to advance out of the first round for only the second time in six events this season.

Top-seeded David Ferrer also advanced, beating Ivan Navarro 6-3, 6-4. Ferrer will play Pablo Andujar in the second round.

Nicolas Almagro, a Spaniard who is seeking his third straight title at Valencia, defeated compatriot Miguel Angel Lopez Jaen and will face Eduardo Schwank in the second round. Schwank advanced when Christophe Rochus retired with a neck injury while trailing 6-2, 2-0.

Third-seeded Tommy Robredo beat Albert Montanes 6-3, 7-5 and next plays Santiago Ventura, who defeated David Marrero.