Andreev advances as Ferrero tamely relinquishes title

DEFENDING champion Juan Carlos Ferrero of Spain was knocked out of the French Open in the second round yesterday, losing 6-4, 6-2, 6-3 to tournament debutant Igor Andreev of Russia.

Fourth seed Ferrero had come into Roland Garros a long way from match fitness, having not played for a month because of wrist and rib injuries and had been a doubtful starter for the tournament right up until his first round match against Tommy Haas on Tuesday.

Andreev, 20, and ranked 77 in the world, is making his Roland Garros debut but had won just one match on clay in five tournaments this season.