Indian top seed Somdev bows out of Dubai Open after loss to Jaziri

Dubai: A profligate Somdev Devvarman crashed out of the singles event of the Dubai Duty Free Championships after a straight set defeat against fellow wild card Malek Jaziri in the second round, here today.

Coming into the match following an upset win over second seed Juan Martin Del Potro, the 78th-ranked Indian suffered a 3-6 5-7 defeat against his Tunisian rival, who is ranked 137.

Somdev had three break chances in the first set but converted none while dropping his serve twice.

The second set was no different as he could cash in on only two of the seven break chances. He lost his serve thrice.

While serving to stay in the match, Somdev saved two match points but netted a forehand on the third and Jaziri, who was ranked 69 in 2012, raised his arms up in joy.

Somdev will collect 45 ranking points and USD 24,475 as prize money.