2004 Jun 07 - Stella: Rusedski out in R1

Greg Rusedski crashed 3-6 6-3 6-4 to little known Korean Hyung-Taik Lee in first round of the Stella Artois Championships.

In what should have been a routine match - and with Greg taking the first set comfortably 6-3 - the British No.2 then faltered in the second set as he served up three break-point opportunities to the Korean. Hyung-Taik responded at the third time of asking to go up an important break while holding his own serve for 3-6. In the final set Greg rushed to a 3-0 lead and looked to be on his way into the second round but double faults crept in which allowed the Korean to recover the break. With the set heading for a tie-break Hyung-Taik had other ideas as he broke Greg once more to lead 5-4 and then served out for set and match 6-4.

This wasn't the best preparation for Greg's hopes at The Wimbledon Championships starting 21st June but there is no doubt that despite significant match practice this year the big man will raise his game for the big occasion - if anything he should take heart from Goran Ivanisevic's form leading up to Wimbledon in 2001.

In other Stella Artois Championships first round news : British No.3 Arvind Parmar suffered a disappointing defeat at the hands of Canadian Frank Dancevic 7-5 1-6 7-6(5).