Unseeded Russian Igor Andreev caused a sensation this evening by claiming the scalp of injury-stricken defending champion Juan Carlos Ferrero in the French Open second round.
The 20-year-old Russian, making his debut at the tournament, hammered the Spaniard 6-4 6-2 6-3 in just over two hours to progress to the third round.
It is the worst performance in five years at the Paris grand slam for Ferrero who was a semi-finalist both in 2000 and 2001, a finalist in 2002 and champion last year.
The Spaniard came into this year's tournament with a serious rib injury which had threatened his participation. After beating Germany's Tommy Haas 3-6 6-4 6-4 6-2 in the first round, Ferrero admitted he was on strong painkillers and was downbeat about his title hopes.
His fears were confirmed as he lost the first two sets to Andreev in less than one hour and 30 minutes before finding himself trailing in the third. He then had to battle back three times from a break down but his efforts were in vain as he lost his serve again to allow Andreev to take a 5-3 lead.
The Russian then served out for the match, converting the last of his three match points with an ace.
Filed by Sinéad Kissane
