STUTTGART, Germany, 15 July 2003 — Surprise Wimbledon quarterfinalist Alexander Popp suffered a 6-3, 6-2 defeat against Argentine outsider Gaston Etlis in the first round of the 765,000-euro ATP tournament here yesterday.
Half-English Popp, who had to continually deflect questions from the British media at Wimbledon about any desire to change nationality, is back in the game after nearly two years of injuries. But the 2.01-meter giant was unable to follow up on his recent run of form at an event where the top German is third-seeded Australian Open finalist Rainer Schuettler. The 26-year-old Popp was disappointed with his showing.
“I didn’t feel very solid on court,” said the world No. 99. A pair of unheralded compatriots took up the slack in 30 degrees Celsius heat to advance into the second round at the expense of French opponents.
Wild card Maximilian Abel beat Anthony Dupuis 2-6, 6-3, 7-6 (7-5) while Tomas Behrend put out Julien Boutter 3-6, 6-2, 6-1. With all 16 seeds, headed by Spain’s Carlos Moya, receiving byes, household names were in short supply on opening day.
All three of the Spaniards in action got through, setting the pace for eight more of their compatriots who have yet to play.
Alberto Martin ousted Ramon Delgado of Paraguay 7-6 (7-1), 6-3 while Feliciano Lopez beat Brazilian Ricardo Mello 6-1, 6-4.
Barcelona qualifier Marc Lopez put aside his labored loss in last week’s first round in Gstaad by Wimbledon champion Roger Federer to earn a 6-3, 7-5 victory over Italian Potito Starace.
