Viktor Troicki has become the first seeded player to exit the Malaysian Open in Kuala Lumpur following a straight sets loss to Moldova’s Radu Albot.
The world No.24 was knocked out 6-2, 7-6(5) by a player ranked over 80 places below him. After dropping the first set, the fifth seed broke Albot three times during the second set, but failed to take advantage of the lead as Albot repeatedly battled his way back into the match to force a tiebreak.
Troicki also had valuable chances during the tie-break but failed to maintain the advantage. At the start he broke Albot to open up a 3-0 margin. The lead was gradually eroded by the Moldovan world No.107 who responded triumphantly by winning five consecutive points to move ahead 5-3, two points away from the win. Troicki was unable to respond as Albot held his serve to take the tie-break 7-5.
The loss is a blow to Troicki who appeared confident in the build up to the tournament as he bids to return to the top 15 before the season ends.
“My goal is to break into the top 15 by year end. I’ve only got six more tournaments left … I’ve been practising and I feel good and confident for this last swing.” He recently said.
Since claiming his second ATP title in Sydney at the start of the year, Troicki has experienced a mixed season. After Wimbledon, he lost in the first round of four consecutive tournaments. He finally ended his losing streak at the US Open where he reached the third round before losing to America’s Donald Young.
