July 20, 2011 -- Updated 1513 GMT (2313 HKT)
Australian Lleyton Hewitt was crowned U.S. Open champion a decade ago.
(CNN) -- Australian Lleyton Hewitt has advanced to the second round of the Atlanta Tennis Championships thanks to a 6-4 6-4 defeat of American wild card Phillip Simmonds.
The 30-year-old broke Simmond's serve on three occasions on his way to a straight sets victory over the world number 428 -- who was playing in just his third ATP World Tour-level event.
Hewitt, a two-time grand slam winner and a former world number one, will face Rajeev Ram next, after the American qualifier upset number five seed Grigor Dimitrov with a 6-4 6-4 triumph.
Ram's compatriot Robby Ginepri enjoyed a successful return to action with a 6-4 7-5 win over German Tommy Haas.
Blake battles back in Atlanta
Ginepri, a former world number 15, is playing in his first tour-level event since the 2010 U.S. Open after recovering from a long-standing elbow injury.
The 28-year-old's reward is a second round clash with Gilles Muller of Luxembourg.
American Ryan Harrison managed to see off Japanese qualifier Yuichi Sugita 6-1 7-6 (7-5), despite only converting two of his 13 break points.
Harrison, 19, will now meet Xavier Malisse, after the Belgian fourth seed received a bye in the first round.
Frenchman Nicolas Mahut set up a clash with defending champion and American number one Mardy Fish after a 7-6 6-2 win against 115th-ranked Richard Berankis of Lithuania.
Credit: CNN (www.cnn.com)
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