Rusedski comeback is a stroll in Adelaide rain

Greg Rusedski could not hide his delight after completing a winning return to action in the first round of the AAPT Championship in Adelaide.

The British No2 was leading Swiss teenager Stanislas Wawrinka 6-4, 3-1 before rain stopped play yesterday and today wasted little time in wrapping up the second set 6-2.

Rusedski had been on the sidelines since losing both his singles matches in last September's Davis Cup defeat in Morocco.

The 30-year-old injured his back in that tie to cap a poor 2003, during which he also suffered foot and knee problems.

"I was pleased with the way it went," Rusedski said. "I enjoyed being out there and it's a building process."

Rusedski will next meet Frenchman Cyril Saulnier, who defeated American fourth seed Robby Ginepri 6-3, 6-4.

"I've come out early to prepare for the Australian Open and every match I play I will get better and more confident," Rusedski added.

"I haven't set any goals, I just want to enjoy my tennis, have fun and do my best. If I win matches and get the right results then I can start having goals, but the first goal is just to get on court and be healthy."

British No1 Tim Henman will this evening bid for a place in the third round of the Qatar ExxonMobil Open when he takes on Argentina's Juan Ignacio Chela, who eliminated Belgium's Olivier Rochus 6-1, 3-6, 7-5. Henman began his year with a 6-4, 6-0 demolition of Spain's David Sanchez on Monday.