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Hewitt cruises, Marat Safin sweats – but Brits fall at Queen’s


James Ward nicked a set against former World No. 1 Marat Safin in the first round of the Artois Championships, but eventually fell came to the Russian in three sets.

The 22-year-old Londoner, who came through qualifying to reach the main draw, lost 4-6 6-1 6-4 against Marat Safin in front of a packed Centre Court crowd.

I knew I could play at that level, said Ward. But I’m playing a guy who’s won Grand Slams, who has been world No. 1, he knows when to put the pressure on.”

I definitely had chances, even in the third set. It was one of those things that went for him today.”

Ward was not the only Brit to go out to a former world No.1 on Monday. Lleyton Hewitt, nursing a hip injury, sent Josh Goodall packing with a 6-4 6-4 win.

“That was a good knock because I felt like I served smartly throughout the match, hit my spots well when I needed to,” the four-time Artois champion said afterwards.

“Wimbledon’s one of my favourite tournaments of the year, if not my favourite, so I love this month. I think I always go in with a good attitude as well, which helps.”

The 11th seed awaits either Xavier Malisse or another British hope, young Daniel Evans, in the second round.

And another Aussie, qualifier Joseph Sirianni, saw off Alex Bogdanovic with a workmanlike 6-3 6-3 victory.

Elsewhere, Mario Ancic continued his return to form following long-term illness last year, beating Ecuador’s Nicolas Lapentti 7-5 6-3. Robby Ginepri set up an all-American showdown with Andy Roddick in the second round, edging past Vince Spadea 6-4 7-6(4), while Frenando Verdasco progressed after Hyung-Taik Lee retired injured at 3-5 in the first set.


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Tim Farthing, Tennishead Editorial Director & Owner, has been a huge tennis fan his whole life. He's a tennis journalist and entrepreneur as well as playing tennis to a national standard. He also helps manage his local club and volunteers for his local tennis organisation. He's a specialist in content about the administration of professional tennis and tennis coaching for all levels.