Ferrer suffers shock exit

 

Originally published on: 26/02/10 12:03

Since winning his seventh career title and second this year at s-Hertogenbosch in June, Ferrer has failed to build on that momentum, instead falling into a huge slump.

The world number five, who received a first-round bye as one of the top four seeds, has one semi-final appearance in his last six tournaments and was ousted in the third round at both Wimbledon and the US Open.

Ferrer’s current slide also includes a first-round exit at the Beijing Olympics.

His troubles continued against the 92nd-ranked Sela, who was perfect in four break-point opportunities en route to winning their first career meeting in 69 minutes.

Seeking his first career title, Sela next will face sixth-seeded Spaniard Tommy Robredo, who cruised into the quarter-finals with a 6-2 6-3 win against Ivo Minar of the Czech Republic.

Second-seeded American Andy Roddick also moved into the round of eight with 6-4 6-3 triumph over compatriot Brendan Evans.

Roddick had his usual dominant serve, firing 17 aces to oust Evans in 57 minutes. The 26-year-old is seeking his third title of the season after winning his 25th career championship at Dubai in March.

The eighth-ranked Roddick advanced to face former world number one Juan Carlos Ferrero, who upset fifth-seeded Fernando Verdasco in an all-Spanish clash.

German Rainer Schuettler, the seventh seed, booked his place in the quarter-finals with a 6-1 6-4 win over Jean-Claude Scherrer of Switzerland. Eighth-seeded American Sam Querrey was not as lucky, suffering a 5-7 6-3 6-4 loss to Germany’s Bjorn Phau.

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