Rusedski out in Madrid
Greg Rusedski was knocked out by Ivo Karlovic in the first round of the Madrid Masters yesterday — all three sets going to a tie-break.
It was a disappointing and distracted performance from the British number two who allowed some poor line calls to affect his display.
The first set went to serve but Rusedski was able to edge out his Croatian opponent 7-5 in the tiebreak. However, Karlovic controlled the next two 7- 2 and 7-3 — winning with an ace after Rusedski had saved two match points.
Karlovic is known for his big serve. Rusedski said: “If you could’ve written the worst draw for me then this was it. With the altitude here and the hard courts his serve was even faster than usual and it’s not fun for anyone to play him.”
Tim Henman will take on Radek Stepanek — who beat him in Vienna last week — in round two later today. The British number one impressed in his first round demolition of American Taylor Dent late on Monday night.
“I’m happy with the way I’m hitting the ball. I feel motivated but having played so little I still feel pretty fresh and in a good frame of mind,” said Henman.