Barcelona - Argentine Gaston Gaudio fueled his optimism for a possible comeback in tennis as he defeated compatriot Diego Junqueira 6-4, 3-6, 6-4 at the Barcelona Open, winning his first match in nearly two years.

It was the French Open first round of 2007 that the Roland Garros champion of just three years previous last tasted a victory.

The 30-year-old said that he has sought a wild card into Paris as he makes his intended comeback.

"I'd love to play in Roland Garros. I've requested a wild card and am hoping to get it. This win is unbelievable, it's great to win a match at this level again," he said at the club where he won the first of his eight career titles seven years ago.

Gaudio will play next week at the Challenger level in Tunisia and has also applied for a free entry into the new Serbia Open in Belgrade next month.

"I'm just hoping for some wild card invitations," he said. "I'll go where I'm invited.'

Gaudio next faces former champion and Spanish sixth seed Tommy Robredo in the second round. But nothing can dull his new-found enthusiasm.

"I'm feeling better with my game, it's been a long time since I've won. I'm not looking too far ahead," said the number 966.

An afternoon rainstorm sent matches off court. But Spain's 16th seed Feliciano Lopez reversed a run of five losses to Jarkko Nieminen as he defeated the slumping Finn 6-2, 6-1 as the weather moved in.

Fellow Spaniard Oscar Hernandez beat Argentine Eduardo Schwank 6-2, 6-4 and local qualifier Daniel Gimeno-Traver defeated Italy's Fabio Fognini 6-1, 6-3.

A former Barcelona hero went out when 2007 finalist Guillermo Canas of Argentina was upended by Frenchman Arnaud Clement 7-6 (7-0), 6-3

Russian 12th seed Igor Andreev reached the third round with a win over Spain's Alberto Martin 6-2, 6-2.

Leading seeds go into action on Wednesday with Rafael Nadal seeking a fifth straight title at his home club. (dpa)