Tennis

Malisse ousts Ferrer in opener

Published Jun. 18, 2013 1:00 a.m. ET

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French Open finalist David Ferrer lost his first-round match Tuesday at the Topshelf Open, a grass-court tournament held the week before Wimbledon.

A single service break in the second set was enough for Xavier Malisse of Belgium to beat defending champion and top-seeded Ferrer in straight sets, 7-6 (3), 6-3.

The 2011 champion Roberta Vinci had no such problems, brushing aside Kaia Kanepi 6-3, 6-3 in the first match on center court to reach the second round.

Second-seeded Stanislas Wawrinka was playing Steve Darcis later Tuesday in the first round. Wawrinka was to play Igor Sijsling, but the Dutchman pulled out with a stomach problem.

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