Amersfoort, July 17: Martin Verkerk was upset in the first round of the Dutch Open on Tuesday, losing 6-3, 1-6, 4-6 to Italy's Giorgio Galimberti.
Verkerk, seeded first, has struggled since losing to Juan Carlos Ferrero in the title match in Paris. The big-serving Dutchman lost in the first round of both the grass-court Ordina Open in Rosmalen and at Wimbledon.
On Tuesday, his serve faltered after the first set and Galimberti took advantage. Third-seeded Juan Ignacio Chela of Argentina advanced by beating countryman Mariano Puerta 6-3, 6-1, and sixth-seeded Raemon Sluiter of the Netherlands beat Alexander Waske of Germany 6-4, 6-3.

Bureau Report