Roddick loses cool, exits French Open to Gabashvili

Russian qualifier Teimuraz Gabashvili swatted sixth seed Andy Roddick aside 6-4 6-4 6-2 in the third round of the French Open on Saturday as the American let his temper get the better of him.

Roddick angrily threw his rackets towards his entourage after being broken in game seven of the opening set and never gained a foothold in the match as Gabashvili booked his place in the fourth round of a grand slam for the first time.

Gabashvili always looked the most likely winner in the lengthier exchanges with single breaks enough for him to surge into a two set-lead over Roddick, who engaged in irritable exchanges with the umpire throughout.

The world number 114 then broke Roddick twice for a 4-0 lead in the third and held on with ease, sealing victory in an hour and 54 minutes with another forehand winner.

Gabashvili now faces Spanish ninth seed David Ferrer or Austria's Jurgen Melzer, seeded 22, for a place in the Roland Garros quarter-finals.

First Published: May 29, 2010 17:47 IST