Tennis: Rusedski out in Monte Carlo

Greg Rusedski has crashed out of the Masters Series tournament in Monte Carlo at the first hurdle after he lost to Romanian Andrei Pavel.

Rusedski, who parted company with coach Pat Cash at the weekend after a disagreement over payment for the Australian's services, bowed out 7-6 7-5 after a match lasting one hour 41 minutes.

The first set was dominated by service with neither player managing to earn a break point until the tie-break.

Then Pavel took advantage of a net-cord which wrongfooted Rusedski to gain the initiative and served out to take it 7-5.

In comparison there were five breaks in the second set with Rusedski twice taking control by winning the third and ninth games on his opponent's serve only for Pavel to hit back by winning the eighth and 10th.

The Romanian then held serve to move ahead 6-5 before breaking Rusedski again to book his place in the second round.

Rusedski had his chances to win the second set but was able to convert just two of eight break points while Pavel won all three of his.