Shock exit for Almagro

Written by: Global Chick on 1st September 2011

Shock exit for Almagro |

World No. 10 Nicolas Almagro of Spain has suffered a surprise first round loss today against France’s Julien Benneteau.

Almagro considered to be one of the clay-court kings of the game lost in straight sets 2-6 4-6 3-6 in just over two hours. The Spanish player hit 38 winners and slammed down 12 aces today on Court 17 but it wasn’t enough to stop the French wildcard.

The No. 81^st ranked Benneteau lost in the final of the Winston Salem Open last week to John Isner. The Frechman had to qualify and win three rounds to get a spot in the main draw. On his way to the final last week he overcame Igor Kunitsyn, Igor Andreev, Sergiy Stakhovsky and Robin Hasse.

Today’s match was mainly played from the baseline. Benneteau benefitted from serving well today and took a 5-2 lead in the first set and closed the set out 6-2. In the second set the Spaniard ended up 0-4 down in no time. Almagro came back to 4-3 but Benneteau played well and won the second set 6-4. The third set was quick and Benneteau took the set and the match in straight sets.

Julien Benneteau’s second round opponent is Denis Istomin of Uzbekistan, who took out American hopeful Ryan Sweeting in four sets.