St Petersburg - Second-seeded Mikhail Youzhny has advanced to the second round of the St Petersburg Open on Monday by rallying to beat fellow Russian wild card Alsan Karatsev 6-7 (5), 6-2, 6-2.
Youzhny, the 2004 champion, won four consecutive games in the second set and broke Karatsev twice in the decider.
The 20th-ranked Youzhny is looking for his second title this season.
He won his ninth career title in Gstaad, Switzerland, in June.
Earlier on Monday, 17-year-old Russian wildcard Karen Khachanov, who is making his debut on the ATP Tour, prevailed to eliminate Romanian veteran Victor Hanescu 7-6 (7/4), 7-6 (7/4).