Spain’s David Ferrer loses match to Belgian Xavier Malisse

Spaniard David Ferrer failed to get back on the winning track on his return after losing in the French Open final as he lost his match to veteran Belgian Xavier Malisse in the first round in the S-Hertogenbosch ATP title going down 7-6 (7/3), 6-3.

Ferrer, who lost in straight sets to compatriot Rafael Nadal in the final at Roland Garros 10 days ago, admitted that he had not had the best training for the match as he had practised on hard courts last week back in Spain.

“Xavier is a very good player (he has reached the semi-finals of this tournament in the past three years) and I am disappointed to have lost my first match,” said 31-year-old Ferrer, who reached the Wimbledon quarter-finals last year.

Ferrer’s departure leaves Swiss player Stanislas Wawrinka as the top ranked player and the second seed made no mistake progressing to the second round with a 7-6 (7/5), 6-4 win over lucky loser Steve Darcis of Belgium.