Hewitt knocked out of French Open

Australia's Lleyton Hewitt in action during his first round loss at Roland Garros. Source: KENZO TRIBOUILLARD / AFP

LLEYTON Hewitt has crashed out of the French Open after losing his first-round match against Carlos Berlocq.

Just one place separated the pair when the world rankings were updated on Monday, but the 47th-ranked Argentine showed his superiority on clay to come back from a set down and win 3-6 6-2 6-1 6-4.

In a high-intensity start, world No.46 Hewitt set up his second break point in the sixth game with a beautiful backhand volley.

When Berlocq skied a backhand, the Australian smashed his way to a 4-2 lead.

Hewit prevented his opponent from breaking straight back in the next game, with both players shouting to rev themselves up.

When Hewitt saved a third break point for the ninth game, he yelled: "C'mon, fight, fiight!" and he converted his first set point after 48 minutes when Berlocq netted a backhand.

Berlocq, who showed good form by beating world No.6 Tomas Berdych to win the Portugal Open on clay at the start of May, jumped to a 3-0 lead in the second set.

Not only did Hewitt struggle to close the gap but he was broken again in the last game for the Argentine to draw level at one set all.

The third set mirrored the second with Berlocq grabbing a 3-0 lead and, while Hewitt had two chances to break him in the fifth game, his opponent was too strong and held before breaking the Australian again.

Once more Berlocq took an early advantage in the fourth set but he had to withstand a late fightback from Hewitt, who managed to put the games back on serve.

Berlocq broke back in the ninth game but he had to fight off an almighty challenge from Hewitt in the next game.

The Australian had four chances to break back but Berlocq managed to convert his third match point with a clever backhand drop shot.

The 31-year-old sealed victory after three hours and eight minutes to book his place in the second round, equalling his best performance at a grand slam.

It was Hewitt's 14th year at Roland Garros, putting him equal third among active players for most appearances at the venue.

It was also his 60th grand slam appearance, placing him joint third for most majors played in the Open era alongside Roger Federer and behind Fabrice Santoro (70) and Andre Agassi (61).

The Australian will turn his attention to yet another grand slam showing - at Wimbledon.

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