Costa ends career with defeat to Ferrero in Barcelona

BARCELONA, Apr 27 (Reuters) Former French Open champion Albert Costa bowed out of professional tennis today with a 6-1 5-7 7-5 defeat to fellow Spaniard Juan Carlos Ferrero in the third round of the Barcelona Open.

After a one-sided first set Costa battled back to level the match but Ferrero gained the vital break in the 11th game of the decider and served out for victory.

The 30-year-old Costa, who received a standing ovation, won 12 career titles, beating Ferrero to win the French Open title in 2002.

He also helped Spain to win the Davis Cup for the first time in its history in 2000.

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