Berdych crashes out of French Open

24 May, 2011

Czech sixth seed Tomas Berdych crashed out of Roland Garros on Monday after losing a marathon five-set first-round tie to French qualifier Stephane Robert. Berdych, a semi-finalist here last year and the Wimbledon runner-up, slumped to a 3-6, 3-6, 6-2, 6-2, 9-7 defeat, despite having had a match point at 5-4 in the final set.
Robert, the world number 140, next faces Italy's Fabio Fognini for a place in the last 32. It was Robert's first career win at Roland Garros and just his second victory in eight Grand Slam appearances. "I want Mother Nature for allowing me to play such good shots," said the 31-year-old.

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