Kuerten 重回網壇之路再度受阻於美國無名小將 - 網球 Tennis

http://sports.yahoo.com/ten/news?slug=ap-stuttgart&prov=ap&type=lgns

Kuerten's comeback dealt another blow by little-known
American
By ROY KAMMERER, Associated Press Writer
July 19, 2005

STUTTGART, Germany (AP) -- Gustavo Kuerten's comeback from
two hip operations faltered Tuesday when American qualifier
Hugo Armando beat the three-time French Open champion 6-4,
6-1 in the first round of the Mercedes Cup.

Without a win on tour this year, Armando needed just 80
minutes to roll past the erratic Brazilian, who was playing
his first match since the French Open two months ago.

Kuerten, who hired a new coach during his layoff, said he
still expects to return to the top when he's healthy. His
record fell to 2-6 since he returned from his latest
operation in April.

``It's not easy, but this match does not make me sad,''
Kuerten said. ``This year I am only trying to get myself
into shape, to play a few tournaments, to keep up my
motivation and get ready for next year.

``I believe I still have a chance to play well and be
successful at any tournament. That is the goal that keeps
me going day-by-day.''

Kuerten raced to a 3-1 first-set lead at the clay-court
event, but the famed kick-serve and backhand of the former
top-ranked player faded and Armando took charge.

``He has his problems right now, but anytime you beat a
player like Kuerten, it's great. I'm excited,'' Armando
said.

Rafael Nadal, riding a 29-match winning streak on clay, is
the top-seeded player at the $737,000 tournament and plays
Armando on Wednesday.

In second-round matches, France's Gilles Simon upset
eighth-seeded Filippo Volandri of Italy 6-3, 2-6, 6-4; and
Argentina's Mariano Zabaleta topped ninth-seeded Olivier
Rochus of Belgium 4-6, 6-2, 6-3.

Also, Germany's Rainer Schuettler ousted Spain's Fernando
Vicente 7-6 (3), 6-4; Italy's Potito Starace beat Frenchman
Gael Monfils 6-2, 6-3; and Spain's Albert Costa won 6-4,
6-4 over countryman Galo Blanco.

After Kuerten was upset by Spain's David Sanchez in the
first round at Roland Garros, he spent five weeks training
with highly respected coach Hernan Guny.

Last weekend, Kuerten returned to play in Brazil's 5-0
Davis Cup win against Netherlands Antilles -- beating
Alexander Blom and Raoul Behr in singles without dropping a
set.


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