Originally scheduled for a morning start, the world number 29 had to wait six hours to begin his match as heavy rain continued to dog the 370,000 euros ($580,000) Austrian claycourt tournament.

The Croat looked as leaden as the sky during the opening exchanges, losing his opening service game and failing to secure a single break point as the world number 301 clinched the first set.

The advantage proved short-lived, with Ljubicic responding impressively by taking the next nine games and comfortably winning his remaining service games.

Only two other matches were completed on Tuesday, both ending in victories for American players.

Fifth seed Sam Querrey had been trailing local favourite Oliver Marach 3-6 5-3 when rain interrupted their opening round match on Monday, but recovered to win 3-6 6-4 6-4.

Compatriot John Isner overcame Italian qualifier Simone Vagnozzi 6-3 6-2 to set up a second-round meeting with Russian top seed Nikolay Davydenko.