Nalbandian beaten by former champion Safin

By Staff
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Google Oneindia News

NEW YORK, Sep 3 (Reuters) Fourth seed David Nalbandian was sent packing from the US Open at the second-round stage today, beaten 6-3 7-5 2-6 3-6 7-6 by former champion Marat Safin in a marathon battle.

The Argentine saved two match points but Safin clinched victory when Nalbandian netted a drop shot after three hours 52 minutes.

The Russian dominated the first two sets but, as he did against German Michael Berrer in round one, Nalbandian fought back to level at two sets apiece.

Nalbandian saved one match point to force a tiebreak and then came from 5-1 down to level at 5-5, but after saving a second match point at 5-6, he could not save a third.

Safin, the winner in 2000, will play Olivier Rochus of Belgium in the third round tomorrow.

Reuters DH GC0117

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