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Rafter falls apart Australian can't capitalize on lead, loses to Arthurs
PARIS (Reuters) -- Eighth-seeded Australian Pat Rafter threw away a two-set lead on Tuesday as he was beaten in the first round of the French Open by compatriot Wayne Arthurs 4-6, 2-6, 6-3, 7-6 (5), 6-1. The twice U.S. Open champion and semifinalist here in 1997 started brightly on Court One, his all-action brand of tennis giving him a comfortable two-set lead. But 30-year-old Arthurs hit back in the third set with some whipped backhand returns and more solid serving of his own. Arthurs, a first round loser here last year, edged the fourth set 7-5 in the tiebreak before pulling away in the fifth. Rafter tired, his serve lacking penetration, and Arthurs began to pick it off easily on the return. Rafter saved three match points on his own serve at 5-0 down with some daring volleys but it was only delaying the inevitable. Left-handed Arthurs served out the following game after three hours and 16 minutes. "I had my opportunities," said Rafter after a match that finished with darkness closing around the court. "It would have been nice to win but that's the way it goes. "Wayne served very well on the big points. He got himself out of trouble. "I lost my rhythm on the serve in the third set and he took advantage." Rafter said he was disappointed not to have more opportunities for match practice ahead of Wimbledon, his primary target this season. "It's very important to get matches in, whether they're on clay or whatever surface," he said. "There's no substitute for it. I can take some positives, though. I felt great out there on the court, with no fatigue."
Copyright 2003 Reuters Limited. All rights reserved. |
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