Roddick’s Madrid bid ended by qualifier Cipolla

MADRID - Former world No. 1 Andy Roddick was dumped out in the first round of the Madrid Open on Monday, he was upset 6-4, 6-7, 6-3, by qualifier Flavio Cipolla.

The American 12th seed, who lost to Roger Federer in the quarterfinals two years ago on his most recent appearance at the clay event, had his serve broken four times by the Italian ranked 148 places below him at number 160.

Roddick’s friend and compatriot Mardy Fish was also eliminated in the first round, losing 7-6, 4-6, 7-6 to fellow American John Isner.

Qualifier Thiemo de Bakker of the Netherlands fought back to beat former world No. 1 and wild card Juan Carlos Ferrero 2-6, 7-5, 6-4, while ninth-seeded Frenchman Gael Monfils defeated big-serving Croat Ivo Karlovic 6-3, 7-6.

World No. 1 and top seed Rafael Nadal, who has a bye into the second round, will play Marcos Baghdatis after the former Australian Open finalist edged past Colombian qualifier Alejandro Falla 6-3, 3-6, 7-6.

Novak Djokovic and Roger Federer, the second and third seeds, also play their opening matches today.

Reuters