• BNP Paribas Open

Hewitt let down by serve in Indian Wells

ESPN staff
March 11, 2011
Lleyton Hewitt struggled throughout his first round loss © Getty Images
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Lleyton Hewitt has suffered a first round 6-2 6-3 loss to Yen-Hsun Lu at the BNP Paribas Open in Indian Wells.

Hewitt was the only big name casualty in the men's draw on Friday although it perhaps should not have come as a surprise since his Chinese Taipei opponent is these days ranked 21 places higher than the former world No. 1.

The Australian's service accuracy was his downfall. He won 70% of points when his first effort went in but that was only 45% of the time. Hewitt only won four points on his second serve as Yen-Hsun returned with force.

Hewitt's countryman Chris Guccione looked to progress but veteran American James Blake battled from behind to a 3-6 6-3 6-2 victory. Talented Aussie Bernand Tomic restored pride in his flag as he progressed.

Rising Canadian star Milos Raonic made it through to the second round with a typically powerful service performance, allowing Marsel Ilhan just 26% of the points when the giant 20-year-old served.

Nikolay Davydenko used every inch of his experience to triumph 5-7 6-2 6-4 in a taxing contest with Fabio Fognini. Elsewhere, Feliciano Lopez exited at the first hurdle, falling 6-4 6-4 to Julien Benneteau.

© ESPN Sports Media Ltd.
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