Ancic takes victory...

29 April, 2008 | 18:04

Andy is out of the Barcelona Open at the second round stage, after a 6-4 6-4 defeat to world No. 51 Mario Ancic.

In what was their third meeting already this season, it was the Croat who struck the first blow, breaking in Andy's first service game for the 2-0 lead.

With Andy converting his third of three break point opportunities in the seventh game, the set looked headed to a tie-break.

But as Andy served at 4-5, Ancic converted his second set point to take the first set 6-4.

In a close fought second set, it was Ancic who weathered the early storm, defending two break points in game three for the 2-1 advantage; Andy then defending two of his own to keep it on serve at 4-4.

Then came consistent pressure on the Croat's serve once again as a variety of deuce points culminated in a single break point, only for Ancic to hold.

With Andy serving to stay in the match at 4-5, his opponent quickly chalked up three match points - converting the first - to take the second set 6-4, and sadly the match.

Andy's Reaction

 "I didn't get that fired up for the match.

"I was flat. I was going to be here practising anyway, so I had hoped to get a few matches.

"But my priority is to train for Rome and Hamburg. I wanted to continue from last week, but (playing here) is not the be-all and end-all.

"I've now got four or five days to get ready for Rome. It and Hamburg are the most important ones going into the French Open. All of the major players should be there, which was not the case last week."

Match Stats