Robredo digs deep to send ‘unlucky’ Safin crashing out

MARAT Safin claimed he was deserted by Lady Luck as he crashed out of the French Open following a five-set, fourth-round thriller with 15th seed Tommy Robredo.

Despite twice fighting back from a set down and then back from a serve down in the fifth set, the third-seeded Russian was unable to push on for victory against his Spanish opponent, who showed great resolve to finally record a 7-5 1-6 6-1 4-6 8-6 victory.

“It’s pure luck that made the difference in the end,” said Safin.