Nadal knocked out of Stockholm Open

World number two Rafael Nadal suffered an early exit from the Stockholm Open on Wednesday as he lost in straight sets to Swede Joachim Johansson in the second round.

Nadal, playing in his first tournament since his quarter-final loss to Russian Mikhail Youzhny in the US Open, could not find a solution to the powerful serving of Joachim Johansson, who won 6-4, 7-6.

American James Blake opened the defence of his Stockholm Open title in style, crushing Swede Thomas Johansson 6-3, 6-2.

Blake, who defeated Thai Paradorn Srichaphan in last year's final, now faces Simon Greul in the second round. The German defeated Swede Ervin Eleskovic 6-4, 6-2.

Joachim Johansson, once a world top 10 player whose world rankings has slumped 690th after a long shoulder injury lay-off, comfortably held serve throughout the first set. He broke Nadal's opening service game in the second but later dropped serve himself, allowing the match into a tiebreak.

After grabbing a 3-0 lead, Johansson stayed on top to win the tiebreak 7-4 on a backhand return error by Nadal.

"I didn't play the match of my life, but I didn't play a bad match either," said Nadal. "Joachim was more aggressive. On the big points he was more aggressive, for sure.

"He has unbelievable potential, he has an incredible serve and an incredible forehand.

Source: Xinhua