Federer beaten in Cincinnati

Wednesday, August 04, 2004

Roger Federer’s 23-match winning streak was brought to a halt in Cincinnati by Dominik Hrbaty of Slovakia.

The Wimbledon champion from Switzerland was beginning to appear invincible, but Hrbaty proved he is still fallible as he took the match in three sets.

Federer, who has had a punishing schedule of late, took the first set 6-1 but ran out of steam and Hrbaty eventually triumphed 1-6 7-6 (9/7) 6-4 and will advance to the second round of the Masters Series event.

Meanwhile, Britain’s Tim Henman cruised into the second round with a ruthless 6-1 6-0 demolition of Younes El Aynaoui.

This story appeared in the printed version of the Irish Examiner Wednesday, August 04, 2004