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Date: 13 Jul 2010 19:27

Germans Tumble in Stuttgart

Tennis News Germans Tumble in Stuttgart It was a bad day for hometown favourites in Stuttgart, as no fewer than three promising locals were knocked out of the tournament in the first round. Philipp Kohlshcreiber was the biggest name to fall, losing rather tamely to Florian Mayer 6-4, 6-2. The German has had a good year so far – including a victory over world number four Andy Murray – but was unable to assert himself over his countryman. Bastian Knittel, Philipp Petzschner and Michael Berrer all lost as well. Over in Bastad two seeds fell in their opening matches. Sixth Paul-Henri Mathieu and seventh seed Denis Istomin both lost in straight sets (both, bizarrely, in two tie-breakers). Fifth seed Tommy Robredo restored order, however, by beating Michal Przysiezny 7-6, 6-3. Robin Soderling is the defending champion in Bastad, but received a bye in the first round and will only play on Wednesday.