Safin humbled by Lopez in third round

Marat Safin's new found love affair with grass came to an end at Wimbledon when he was beaten in straight sets by Spaniard Lopez on Friday.

Marat Safin's new found love affair with grass came to a tempestuous end in the third round at Wimbledon where he was beaten 6-4 7-6 6-3 by Spain's Feliciano Lopez on Friday.

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Safin's volatile temper erupted 24 minutes into the match after he missed two break points and smashed a ball out of court one in frustration.

The fifth seed's effort earned him a severe warning (ball abuse) from Argentine umpire Damian Steiner and his torment was further compounded by the brilliance of Lopez.

After moving into a two-set lead, Lopez broke the Russian to love in the sixth game of the third and completed formalities in one hour 48 minutes with his 14th ace.

The 26th seed will next meet either Wimbledon junior champion Gael Monfils or last year's semi-finalist Mario Ancic in the fourth round.